Guided by world-renowned instructors and water experts, this program will strengthen your leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills – equipping you to build a resilient and innovative utility capable of tackling existing and emerging infrastructure, organizational, and policy challenges.
You will return to your organization with a ‘Leadership Action Plan’ – a practical roadmap for addressing real organizational challenges by leveraging program learnings and strengthened by a lasting peer network.
Areas of Focus
Understanding western water challenges and opportunities
Strengthening strategic planning and decision-making
Driving performance and developing a future-ready workforce
Leading with confidence and clarity in uncertain times
Modernizing infrastructure to serve future generations
Building long-term financial resilience and affordability
Navigating policy, governance, and stakeholder dynamics
Sustaining public trust and building transparency
Translating research and innovation into impact
Building an AI-ready utility
Who should apply?
Senior Leaders, GMs/CEOs, and Assistant and Deputy GMs/CEOs who want to:
Sharpen leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
Develop tools to lead resilience and innovation.
Participate in a cohort experience led by top faculty, and build a lasting network.
Apply early, application review begins Dec 18, 2026, with rolling admission through a final deadline of Feb 15, 2027.
Join the next executive leadership cohort and collaborate with western water and wastewater industry leaders through case studies, industry expert lectures, collaborative discussions, team exercises, and peer networking.
“This is a unique opportunity for executive leaders to reimagine the future of western water and, in partnership with their peers, shape a bold and practical path forward for their organizations.”
Kyle OchenduszkoAssistant General Manager, Contra Costa Water District
“All the speakers were amazing, and it showed that a lot thought had been put together behind the curriculum content. The attention to the details and how things were organized was very impressive.”
2026 Participant
“Thank you for developing this incredible program! I feel very privileged to be a part of the inaugural cohort.”
2026 Participant
“It was amazing meeting you all. I will cherish all the life stories that you shared, the moments of joy and laughter together, your honest feedback, and your words of encouragement.”
2026 Participant
This program will provide leadership skill sets and up to date knowledge and information to empower to take on the challenges ahead of us.
2026 Participant
“Overall the content was well thought out and a good mixture of academia, industry experiences, and future leadership challenges. The executive coaching and storytelling were super helpful.”
2026 Participant
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About the Fung Institute
Through graduate, undergraduate, and professional education programs, we’re developing the next generation of engineering and organizational leaders, equipping them to drive transformative change across technology and society.
