NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR Mary Elizabeth Mach and Andrea Odegard-Begay, two of Garver's leading water engineers, were each recently selected to participate in the Water Leadership Institute, a not-for-profit program that provides technical education and training for water quality professionals supported by the Water Environment Federation (WEF). They are the first Garver engineers to participate in the Institute. 

Selection to the Institute will give Mach and Odegard-Begay opportunities to further their positions as emerging leaders in the water industry by engaging in management training while examining the complex challenges facing the water and wastewater industries. The curriculum includes web and in-person sessions, including June sessions at the WEF in Alexandria, Virginia, and a September appearance in Chicago, Illinois, at the WEF's Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference.

With Garver since 2006, Mach has served as a Design Engineer, a Project Engineer, a Project Manager, and, in January, was picked to lead Garver's Oklahoma Water Team.

"I am very excited to have been selected for the Water Leadership Institute; improving leadership and management skills specific to the water industry will benefit me as well as Garver's Oklahoma Water Team," Mach said. "But more importantly my goal is to apply these skills to further enhance water and wastewater solutions for our clients."

Odegard-Begay has been with Garver since 2013, and her most significant work has involved the design of water and wastewater systems, including treatment facilities, pump stations, ground and elevated storage tanks, and water and wastewater pipelines. Her responsibilities at Garver include project management, planning, utility coordination with local and state agencies, and technical design. 

"Participation in the Water Leadership Institute will provide me the opportunity to gather the skills and connections necessary for innovative, value-added solutions, to preserve and enhance water resources for our current generation, as well as future generations," Odegard-Begay said. "I anticipate the interaction with public and private sector members of the water industry from across the country who will provide different perspectives on the issues facing the industry."