- Caroline Sanchez will retire on January 24, 2025, after 51 years with NMWWA.
- The NM Water & Wastewater Association has supported public health and utility training since 1956.
- NMWWA offers awards, scholarships, and training to enhance professionalism.
January 20, 2025 — The New Mexico Water & Wastewater Association (NMWWA) is set to bid farewell to Executive Manager Caroline Sanchez, who will retire on Friday, January 24, 2025. Sanchez’s career spans an impressive 51 years of dedication to an organization she describes as “like family.” In a heartfelt memo to NMWWA members
, she expressed gratitude for the relationships and accomplishments shared throughout her tenure.
“I have made so many special friendships throughout the years which I truly value,” Sanchez wrote. “We have worked really hard to protect the public health and environment of everyone in New Mexico by providing training for water and wastewater utility operators who are professionals and essential workers.”
About NMWWA: Protecting Public Health and Resources.
Established in 1956, the NMWWA has been a cornerstone of public health and environmental protection in New Mexico. Operating as a nonprofit organization, it focuses on scientific and educational initiatives to ensure the proper management of water and wastewater utilities. The association promotes professionalism and offers vital training to utility operators, which directly benefits the communities they serve.
Over the years, the NMWWA has formed partnerships with groups such as the New Mexico Environment Department and the Water Quality Control Commission. These collaborations reinforce its mission of protecting public health and preserving public funds through effective utility management and operations.
Promoting Excellence Through Awards and Scholarships.
The NMWWA’s commitment to excellence is evident in its array of awards and scholarships. Facility honors such as the “Good Housekeeping Awards” recognize outstanding performance in water and wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, the prestigious “Max Summerlot Award” is presented annually to facilities that demonstrate exemplary operations, safety, and management practices.
Individual achievements are celebrated with awards like the “Outstanding Operator of the Year” and the “Caroline Martinez Achievement Award,” which highlight the dedication of operators across various utility categories. The NMWWA also invests in the future workforce by offering tuition scholarships to students pursuing careers in water and wastewater utility design, operation, and management.
Training: The Backbone of Utility Operations.
Professional training is central to NMWWA’s mission. By equipping utility personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary for proper operations and preventive maintenance, the association ensures that public funds are used efficiently and that facilities have a longer lifespan. Training also enhances the quality of drinking water and treated wastewater, benefiting communities across the state.
As Sanchez emphasized, the work of NMWWA-trained professionals is indispensable. Utility operators are essential workers whose expertise safeguards public health and the environment.
A Rich History of Advocacy and Development.
Since its inception, the NMWWA has championed the professional development of its members. In 1958, the association’s voluntary operator certification plan was introduced to encourage higher standards in utility operations. Over the decades, NMWWA has served as a voice for New Mexico’s utility personnel on legislative matters and has fostered partnerships to advance its goals.
Caroline Sanchez’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy—and that of the NMWWA—continues. With its history of leadership, dedication to training, and commitment to public health, the association remains a vital resource for New Mexico’s communities.
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