AWE Hires Ron Burke as President and CEO

The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is excited to announce the hiring of Ron Burke as its new President and CEO. After spending the first twenty years of his career working on environmental policy and programs for nonprofits, the U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Illinois EPA, Ron has devoted the last decade to leading a sustainable transportation nonprofit and, more recently, working in the private sector with Lyft Bikes and Scooters.

“I am excited to return to nonprofit, environmental work, and believe this opportunity is an especially good fit given my personal passion for AWE’s efficient and sustainable water mission,” said Burke.

After founding President and CEO Mary Ann Dickinson announced her plans to retire, the AWE Board began a comprehensive national search for a new leader, considering dozens of resumes and conducting several rounds of interviews before selecting Ron for the position.  

“Ron will be a superb addition to AWE”, said AWE Board Chair Pete DeMarco. “During his career, he has helped to elevate the impact of nonprofit organizations through increased fundraising, improved internal and external collaboration, strategic communications, updating and implementing strategic plans, and a commitment to making change happen through collaboration and business savvy.  We look forward to having him apply his skills to help AWE grow.” 

Ron’s career has included time as Deputy Executive Director of the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago’s Programs and Policy Division, Associate Director for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Midwest Office Director for Union of Concerned Scientists, and Executive Director at the Active Transportation Alliance. Prior to accepting the job as AWE’s President and CEO, Ron served as the Head of Micromobility Policy, Central U.S., for Lyft Transit, Bikes, and Scooters. This included developing and implementing Public Private Partnerships, contract terms, equity programs, operations, data sharing, and legislation.

The AWE Board is confident that Ron’s unique combination of experience and passion for environmental sustainability make him a great fit to advance AWE’s mission and expand the organization’s impact. Ron will take over as President and CEO on March 22, 2021. In her retirement Mary Ann will remain a Technical Advisor to AWE.