The Association of Regional Water Organizations (ARWO) has tapped Jim Maras to lead the federal advocacy group as its new executive director.
Maras brings to ARWO 30 years of experience with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Jim Maras’ vast experience with rural water development and knowledge of the industry will prove to be extremely valuable for meeting ARWO’s mission,” said ARWO President Bill Teichmiller, CEO of EJ Water.
Maras recently retired from the position of Community Programs Director at USDA Rural Development in Colorado, where he administered Water and Community Facility Programs that provided economic opportunities to improve rural quality of life. Prior to that assignment, Maras was USDA Community Programs Director in Virginia, administering Water/Waste and Community Facilities Loan and Grant programs. He previously served in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Assistant Administrator for USDA Rural Development, managing the delivery of water programs including direct loans, grants, technical assistance and loan guarantees. From 2010 to 2015, Maras was vice president of CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving key industries across rural America.
ARWO’s mission is to promote the present and future effectiveness of regional water and wastewater systems in delivering resilient and affordable services by advancing their policy priorities in Washington D.C. and providing expert resources to improve governance, management and operations. For more information, visit arwo.org.
