Staff & Advisors
Staff
x
Ron Burke
President and CEO
Mr. Burke became the President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency on March 22, 2021. Ron spent the first twenty years of his career working on environmental policy and programs as an Environmental Scientist for the U.S. EPA, the Environmental Health Director and Deputy Executive Director for the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the Associate Director for the Illinois EPA, and Midwest Office Director for the Union of Concerned Scientists. More recently, Ron was Executive Director of the Chicago-based Active Transportation Alliance for nine years and ran government relations for Lyft’s bike share and scooter share programs in the Central U.S.
Mr. Burke earned an M.S. from Washington University’s Department of Engineering and Policy and did his undergraduate work in life sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Mr. Burke became the President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency on March 22, 2021. Ron spent the first twenty years of his career working on environmental policy and programs as an Environmental Scientist for the U.S. EPA, the Environmental Health Director and Deputy Executive Director for the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the Associate Director for the Illinois EPA, and Midwest Office Director for the Union of Concerned Scientists. More recently, Ron was Executive Director of the Chicago-based Active Transportation Alliance for nine years and ran government relations for Lyft’s bike share and scooter share programs in the Central U.S.
Mr. Burke earned an M.S. from Washington University’s Department of Engineering and Policy and did his undergraduate work in life sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
x
Kelly Connolly Kern
Director of Public Affairs
Kelly Connolly Kern has served on the Alliance for Water Efficiency team since December 2022. Kelly leads the organization's strategic communications, federal policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement activities. Kelly earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Gordon College and Baylor University, respectively. Most recently, Kelly served as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Waco, TX, where she championed environmental issues, affordable housing, and equitable economic development. She also taught baccalaureate courses at Baylor University on Public Policy, Social Justice, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
She lives in Chicago with her husband, two cats, and one incredibly anxious pup.
Kelly Connolly Kern has served on the Alliance for Water Efficiency team since December 2022. Kelly leads the organization's strategic communications, federal policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement activities. Kelly earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Gordon College and Baylor University, respectively. Most recently, Kelly served as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Waco, TX, where she championed environmental issues, affordable housing, and equitable economic development. She also taught baccalaureate courses at Baylor University on Public Policy, Social Justice, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
She lives in Chicago with her husband, two cats, and one incredibly anxious pup.
x
Jeffrey Hughes
Director of Finance & Operations
Jeffrey has been with the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) since its earliest days, joining as the organization’s second employee in early 2008. Over the years, he has helped guide AWE’s growth and direction, serving as part of the senior management team and leading the organization’s administration, operations, and governance activities. His work spans financial management and strategic planning to human resources, information systems, facilities, and the daily management of the office—ensuring that AWE runs smoothly behind the scenes so its mission can thrive.
Before joining AWE, Jeffrey built a diverse career in both public service and nonprofit management. He worked in nursing home administration and municipal government and spent five years with the California Water Efficiency Partnership (formerly the California Urban Water Conservation Council).
Jeffrey earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from California State University, Chico. He is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a credential awarded by the American Society of Association Executives that recognizes excellence in nonprofit leadership and management.
Jeffrey has been with the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) since its earliest days, joining as the organization’s second employee in early 2008. Over the years, he has helped guide AWE’s growth and direction, serving as part of the senior management team and leading the organization’s administration, operations, and governance activities. His work spans financial management and strategic planning to human resources, information systems, facilities, and the daily management of the office—ensuring that AWE runs smoothly behind the scenes so its mission can thrive.
Before joining AWE, Jeffrey built a diverse career in both public service and nonprofit management. He worked in nursing home administration and municipal government and spent five years with the California Water Efficiency Partnership (formerly the California Urban Water Conservation Council).
Jeffrey earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from California State University, Chico. He is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a credential awarded by the American Society of Association Executives that recognizes excellence in nonprofit leadership and management.
x
Joan Hughes
Director of Programs & Research
Joan Hughes joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in October 2025, after more than 14 years leading water and energy efficiency programs at NASA, most recently as the Agency Energy and Water Program Manager. She is a Certified Energy Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Mississippi State University and an interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Anthropology and English from the University of West Florida. Joan’s expertise also includes federal energy and water policy, strategic planning and partnerships, organizational change, and contract and grant management.
Joan began her career as a petroleum engineer working in New Mexico but soon moved on to explore other fields, including community development and sustainable agriculture, before finding her passion in water and energy efficiency. She enjoys working with smart, committed people on projects and programs that have tangible, positive impacts on our natural environment.
Joan and her family live in southwestern Colorado, where she loves to play outdoors in all seasons.
Joan Hughes joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in October 2025, after more than 14 years leading water and energy efficiency programs at NASA, most recently as the Agency Energy and Water Program Manager. She is a Certified Energy Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Mississippi State University and an interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Anthropology and English from the University of West Florida. Joan’s expertise also includes federal energy and water policy, strategic planning and partnerships, organizational change, and contract and grant management.
Joan began her career as a petroleum engineer working in New Mexico but soon moved on to explore other fields, including community development and sustainable agriculture, before finding her passion in water and energy efficiency. She enjoys working with smart, committed people on projects and programs that have tangible, positive impacts on our natural environment.
Joan and her family live in southwestern Colorado, where she loves to play outdoors in all seasons.
x
Johanna DeCotis Smith
Senior Manager of Programs
Johanna DeCotis Smith has over 14 years of experience working within the environmental field and has spent 10 years working on a variety of water quantity and quality issues in the State of Georgia. She most recently worked at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, where she managed the Watershed Compliance Program, as well as engaged with water efficiency, water reuse, and water supply issues as the Manager of the Surface Water Unit in the Water Supply Program. Before joining EPD, Johanna worked at Amec Foster Wheeler as an engineering consultant, now WSP USA.
Johanna earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, both from Georgia Tech. She is also a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia.
Johanna lives in Atlanta with her husband and two kids, and enjoys biking, attending Atlanta United games, and traveling. Johanna is passionate about water efficiency and conservation (even convincing her husband of the benefits of installing a personal water monitoring device in their home).
Johanna DeCotis Smith has over 14 years of experience working within the environmental field and has spent 10 years working on a variety of water quantity and quality issues in the State of Georgia. She most recently worked at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, where she managed the Watershed Compliance Program, as well as engaged with water efficiency, water reuse, and water supply issues as the Manager of the Surface Water Unit in the Water Supply Program. Before joining EPD, Johanna worked at Amec Foster Wheeler as an engineering consultant, now WSP USA.
Johanna earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, both from Georgia Tech. She is also a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia.
Johanna lives in Atlanta with her husband and two kids, and enjoys biking, attending Atlanta United games, and traveling. Johanna is passionate about water efficiency and conservation (even convincing her husband of the benefits of installing a personal water monitoring device in their home).
x
Devin Foster Smith
Researcher
Devin Foster Smith joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency as a Researcher in January 2025. She enthusiastically contributes to the AWE team through her research expertise in support of improving water efficiency and conservation across North America. Within this role, Devin assists AWE programs through quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting. In her previous position, Devin was a scientific researcher who specialized in studying the quantity and quality of Earth’s freshwater resources. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Villanova University, and her Master of Science and PhD in Earth Sciences from The Ohio State University. Her research was driven by the idea that water scarcity is a function of water quantity and water quality. With this concept directing her work, Devin studied water resources in urban, agricultural, and natural environments around the world. She enjoys working on teams to solve complex, interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and water resources.
When not thinking about water resources Devin can be found in the kitchen testing out new recipes or playing with her dog, Darcy. If you questioned how much Devin loves water resources, her dog is named after Darcy’s Law, the equation used to quantify groundwater flow!
Devin Foster Smith joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency as a Researcher in January 2025. She enthusiastically contributes to the AWE team through her research expertise in support of improving water efficiency and conservation across North America. Within this role, Devin assists AWE programs through quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting. In her previous position, Devin was a scientific researcher who specialized in studying the quantity and quality of Earth’s freshwater resources. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Villanova University, and her Master of Science and PhD in Earth Sciences from The Ohio State University. Her research was driven by the idea that water scarcity is a function of water quantity and water quality. With this concept directing her work, Devin studied water resources in urban, agricultural, and natural environments around the world. She enjoys working on teams to solve complex, interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and water resources.
When not thinking about water resources Devin can be found in the kitchen testing out new recipes or playing with her dog, Darcy. If you questioned how much Devin loves water resources, her dog is named after Darcy’s Law, the equation used to quantify groundwater flow!
x
Amanda Christophe
Program Manager
Amanda Christophe joined the Alliance in August 2023, focusing on building capacity for water conservation and efficiency efforts through project management, relationship building, community outreach, and research. Amanda’s interest in water grew in her previous role as a CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she implemented climate adaptation and mitigation projects for wastewater treatment facilities across the region to build a more resilient water supply against climate impacts. Prior to this, Amanda graduated Summa Cum Laude from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs focusing on environmental management, political science, and economics. She is passionate about environmental equity and justice, climate action, and nature-based policy and takes on a “think globally, act locally” approach to her work.
Amanda enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and music. She is excited to join AWE to continue protecting our communities’ most precious resource.
Amanda Christophe joined the Alliance in August 2023, focusing on building capacity for water conservation and efficiency efforts through project management, relationship building, community outreach, and research. Amanda’s interest in water grew in her previous role as a CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she implemented climate adaptation and mitigation projects for wastewater treatment facilities across the region to build a more resilient water supply against climate impacts. Prior to this, Amanda graduated Summa Cum Laude from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs focusing on environmental management, political science, and economics. She is passionate about environmental equity and justice, climate action, and nature-based policy and takes on a “think globally, act locally” approach to her work.
Amanda enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and music. She is excited to join AWE to continue protecting our communities’ most precious resource.
x
Sophie Baumgartner
Member Relations & Events Manager
Sophie Baumgartner joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in 2025 as the Member Relations and Events Manager. In this role, she leads membership programming, relationship management, and event coordination while supporting the organization’s data-driven strategies to strengthen member engagement.
With a background in nonprofit administration, Sophie has extensive experience managing membership programs, developing and maintaining database systems, and optimizing data quality. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to improving operations, stewarding relationships, and creating meaningful member experiences.
Prior to joining AWE, Sophie managed administrative operations and school-wide events at Urban Prairie Waldorf School and oversaw membership programs and industry conferences for multiple nonprofit trade organizations at SmithBucklin. In both roles, she leveraged CRM platforms and data systems to enhance member services and organizational efficiency.
Sophie earned her Bachelor of Arts from Kalamazoo College and a Master’s in Education from Antioch University. A lifelong learner passionate about environmental sustainability, she is excited to apply her skills to support AWE’s mission of promoting water efficiency and conservation.
Sophie Baumgartner joined the Alliance for Water Efficiency in 2025 as the Member Relations and Events Manager. In this role, she leads membership programming, relationship management, and event coordination while supporting the organization’s data-driven strategies to strengthen member engagement.
With a background in nonprofit administration, Sophie has extensive experience managing membership programs, developing and maintaining database systems, and optimizing data quality. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to improving operations, stewarding relationships, and creating meaningful member experiences.
Prior to joining AWE, Sophie managed administrative operations and school-wide events at Urban Prairie Waldorf School and oversaw membership programs and industry conferences for multiple nonprofit trade organizations at SmithBucklin. In both roles, she leveraged CRM platforms and data systems to enhance member services and organizational efficiency.
Sophie earned her Bachelor of Arts from Kalamazoo College and a Master’s in Education from Antioch University. A lifelong learner passionate about environmental sustainability, she is excited to apply her skills to support AWE’s mission of promoting water efficiency and conservation.
Technical Advisors
x
Mary Ann Dickinson
Technical Advisor
Mary Ann Dickinson is the Director of Land and Water Policy for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, where she works on sustainable land and water resource integration. She is the past President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which she helped found in 2007.
Prior to joining the Alliance in July of 2007, Mary Ann was Executive Director of the California Urban Water Conservation Council, a non-profit organization composed of urban water supply agencies, environmental groups, and other entities managing statewide water conservation in California and implementing the nation’s first set of Best Management Practices.
Mary Ann has over 50 years of experience, having worked at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in environmental planning, Mary Ann has authored numerous publications on water conservation, land use planning, and natural resources management, and has co-produced two films which have aired on public television and community cable stations.
Mary Ann is currently the Co-Chair of the Water and Planning Network for the American Planning Association. She also is past Chair of the Efficient Urban Water Management Specialist Group for the International Water Association, past Chair of the American Water Works Association National Water Conservation Division, past President of the California Irrigation Institute, past President of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, and past Treasurer of the Texas Water Foundation. Mary Ann has presented numerous papers on water conservation internationally and all across the United States and Canada.
Mary Ann Dickinson is the Director of Land and Water Policy for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, where she works on sustainable land and water resource integration. She is the past President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which she helped found in 2007.
Prior to joining the Alliance in July of 2007, Mary Ann was Executive Director of the California Urban Water Conservation Council, a non-profit organization composed of urban water supply agencies, environmental groups, and other entities managing statewide water conservation in California and implementing the nation’s first set of Best Management Practices.
Mary Ann has over 50 years of experience, having worked at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in environmental planning, Mary Ann has authored numerous publications on water conservation, land use planning, and natural resources management, and has co-produced two films which have aired on public television and community cable stations.
Mary Ann is currently the Co-Chair of the Water and Planning Network for the American Planning Association. She also is past Chair of the Efficient Urban Water Management Specialist Group for the International Water Association, past Chair of the American Water Works Association National Water Conservation Division, past President of the California Irrigation Institute, past President of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, and past Treasurer of the Texas Water Foundation. Mary Ann has presented numerous papers on water conservation internationally and all across the United States and Canada.
x
John Koeller
Technical Advisor
John Koeller is principal of Koeller & Company, based in California and providing engineering and environmental consulting services since 1973. He is a registered professional engineer (California) with extensive experience in and primary focus on water-efficient technologies and products. Internationally recognized as a specialist in these fields, John is a consultant to various North American water authorities and private sector firms. John is currently a member of seven different ANSI U.S. national plumbing standards committees under the umbrella of ASME, CSA, and IAPMO, where he represents water efficiency interests. For Canada, he is a member of the Canadian Standards Association B45 and B125 Technical Committees responsible for developing product plumbing standards. He is a technical advisor to the international Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) and past technical advisor to the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC). His is also an advisor-consultant to the U.S. EPA's WaterSense® program, and other green building programs and initiatives.
John is the co-developer of Maximum Performance (MaP) testing for toilet fixtures and other products, another very successful initiative dealing with product performance. MaP Toilet Testing is now a leading web-based resource in North America for design professionals and consumers.
John Koeller is principal of Koeller & Company, based in California and providing engineering and environmental consulting services since 1973. He is a registered professional engineer (California) with extensive experience in and primary focus on water-efficient technologies and products. Internationally recognized as a specialist in these fields, John is a consultant to various North American water authorities and private sector firms. John is currently a member of seven different ANSI U.S. national plumbing standards committees under the umbrella of ASME, CSA, and IAPMO, where he represents water efficiency interests. For Canada, he is a member of the Canadian Standards Association B45 and B125 Technical Committees responsible for developing product plumbing standards. He is a technical advisor to the international Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) and past technical advisor to the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC). His is also an advisor-consultant to the U.S. EPA's WaterSense® program, and other green building programs and initiatives.
John is the co-developer of Maximum Performance (MaP) testing for toilet fixtures and other products, another very successful initiative dealing with product performance. MaP Toilet Testing is now a leading web-based resource in North America for design professionals and consumers.
x
Peter Mayer
Technical Advisor
Peter Mayer is a professional engineer and urban water expert in the areas of water use, water efficiency, demand management, and water resource planning. For more than 25 years, Peter’s work has focused on urban water management, researching water use patterns, assessing the impact of water rate structures, evaluating water efficiency measures and programs, forecasting future demand with and without conservation, preparing water demand management plans and conducting water supply scenario analysis.
Peter was the lead author for the Water Research Foundation (WRF) “Residential End Uses of Water” studies published in 1999 and 2016 and a key contributor to the companion “Commercial and Institutional End Uses of Water” study. In 2013, Peter founded WaterDM – Water Demand Management. WaterDM’s clients include: the California Department of Water Resources, the Marina Coast Water District, the City of Tucson, Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the City of Austin, AWE, Rachio, Flume, WRF, and Northern Water; and throughout his career Peter has worked with more than 100 water providers across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Peter earned his Master’s Degree in water resources engineering from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1995 and holds a bachelors degree from Oberlin College. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Amanda and two sons - Zachary and Miles. His hobbies include playing electric and acoustic guitar, skiing, hiking, movies, and reading.
Peter Mayer is a professional engineer and urban water expert in the areas of water use, water efficiency, demand management, and water resource planning. For more than 25 years, Peter’s work has focused on urban water management, researching water use patterns, assessing the impact of water rate structures, evaluating water efficiency measures and programs, forecasting future demand with and without conservation, preparing water demand management plans and conducting water supply scenario analysis.
Peter was the lead author for the Water Research Foundation (WRF) “Residential End Uses of Water” studies published in 1999 and 2016 and a key contributor to the companion “Commercial and Institutional End Uses of Water” study. In 2013, Peter founded WaterDM – Water Demand Management. WaterDM’s clients include: the California Department of Water Resources, the Marina Coast Water District, the City of Tucson, Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the City of Austin, AWE, Rachio, Flume, WRF, and Northern Water; and throughout his career Peter has worked with more than 100 water providers across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Peter earned his Master’s Degree in water resources engineering from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1995 and holds a bachelors degree from Oberlin College. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Amanda and two sons - Zachary and Miles. His hobbies include playing electric and acoustic guitar, skiing, hiking, movies, and reading.