Executive Committee Bio

	Scott Goodinson, President Scott Goodinson has worked in the wastewater industry for over 30 years. He is a US Navy Veteran, serving onboard a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine during the 80’s. After leaving the Navy in 1986, he tried his hands at several jobs but like most of us, a better environment and clean water was in his blood. Professional Services Group (PSG) hired Scott in 1990 as an entry-level operator at the Cranston WPCF where he worked for 20 years. After retiring from Cranston, Scott worked at the West Warwick WPCF and the Warwick Sewer Authority as the Superintendent at both facilities. Scott is currently the Superintendent at the Town of Narragansett Wastewater Treatment Facility. Mr. Goodinson has a Rhode Island Grade IV Operator Wastewater License, a Grade II Collections System Operator License, is a Veolia Water Project Manager’s “Boot Camp” Graduate, a RI Interlocal Trust Supervisor’s Management Institution (SMI) Graduate, he holds numerous Train-the-Trainer Certifications and is OSHA 40 hour certified. Scott served as a Board Member on the Pawtuxet River Authority & Watershed Council for over 10 years, was a member on the RI Operations Challenge Team for 8 years, he is a Past-President and a former State Director of the Rhode Island Clean Water Association (RICWA).
	Deb Mahoney, President Elect Deb Mahoney is Brown and Caldwell’s Boston Office Leader and Municipal Market Leader for New England. She has worked in municipal wastewater in New England for 23 years. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering and an MBA from UMass-Lowell. Deb has been a committed NEWEA member her entire career and has held positions as YP Chair, NEWEA Secretary and Assessment and Development Committee Chair. She is also a proud member of the 5S. In addition to NEWEA, Deb is on the Board of Directors for the North East Biosolids and Residuals Association, holding the position of Vice President.
	Scott Firmin, Vice President Scott Firmin is the Director of Operations of Wastewater Services for the Portland Water District which serves wastewater collection and treatment needs for six communities in the Greater Portland, Maine, area. Scott is a licensed Professional Engineer and a Grade V Wastewater Operator in the State of Maine. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and an MBA from the University of Southern Maine. He has served as a past Chair of the NEWEA Utility Management and Government Affairs Committees, is a 5S Member, a Past President of the MaineWEA, a Board of Director for NEBRA, and an active WEF member.
	David VanHoven, Treasurer David earned a BS from Bucknell University and MS from University of Wisconsin. He is a Program and Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry currently working on large wet weather projects in New England. He served as previous chair of the Water For People committee.
	Arthur Simonian, Deputy Treasurer Mr. Simonian is a Registered Professional Engineer and has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has been the Executive Director of The Mattabassett District since June 2015, where he directs and supervises the operation and maintenance the Mattabassett District trunk line sewer and right of way, outfall, the ash landfill and incidental facilities connected therewith; plans for short and long range needs of the District; recommends need for contractual services for Board approval; coordinates District projects and plans with outside consultants and public agencies; and prepares the annual budget and calculates user fees. From 2006-2015 he was Director of Public Works & Town Engineer for the Town of Berlin, CT and responsible for the Water Sewer Commission, Engineering, Highways, Facilities/Building Maintenance Departments with 39 personnel. From 2000-2006 he was Senior Project Manager for Diversified Technologies Consultants – overseeing the design and construction of two public school projects (26 million dollars and 60 million dollars) and two design/build dormitory projects (50 million dollars combined) overseeing Civil, Environmental, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing design groups. Arthur’s awards and achievements include: Editing Board of a Public Works Journal; Implemented LEED and Clean Energy Resolutions for the Town; Member of ASCE, America Public Works Association; Lincoln Arc Welding Award for Parking Garage Design; ACEC Engineering Excellence Award on behalf of the Mattabassett District for the WPCF Upgrade; and AGC Build CT 2016 Award for Construction Manager/General Contractor Large Renovation for Facility Upgrade.
	Robert Fischer, Past President Bob has been the Water Quality Division Director for South Burlington Vermont since 2015, overseeing two advanced facilities including energy production, thermophillic and mesophilic digestion, microfiltration, BNR and 35 pumpstations. He earned a BA in Biology and History (Dual Major) from the State University of New York College at Buffalo (1987) and did graduate work at Humboldt State University (1993). As a Fisheries Biologist in the late 1980’s and 1990’s Bob managed several large projects including IFIM studies on the Truckee River system for the USFS, harvest management for the Yurok Tribe/USFWS and as Assistant Forest Fisheries Biologist for the USFS Eldorado National Forest. Bob started his career in Water Quality at the Truckee Tahoe Sanitation Agency, California and continued at Middlebury Vermont and as Chief Operator at the Montpelier Vermont Water Resource Recovery Facility. Bob is a Vermont Grade 5 DM Wastewater Operator and Class 4 C Water Operator and is the former Government Affairs Chair for NEWEA. Bob is a Past President and former Government Affairs Chair for Green Mountain Water Environment Association (GMWEA). He is a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) and recipient of: Crystal Crucible Society (2007), American Public Works Association (APWA) Northeast Region and National Water Respources Manager of the Year (2022) WEF Laboratory Analyst Excellence (2010), NEWEA Alfred E. Peloquin Award (2014), NEWEA Operator Award (2019), Vermont Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence (2015), GMWEA President’s Award, Elizabeth Walker Meritorious Service Award and the Laboratory Excellence Award amongst others (2017, 2023, 2006). Bob was also the Chief Water Operator for the Town of Websterville Vermont (2007-2010) and is also a twenty-three year United States Ski and Snowboard Coach for the Killington Mountain School (KMS) with multiple athletes currently competing at the World Cup and Olympic levels.
	Mary Barry, NEWEA Executive Director Mary Barry is the Executive Director of NEWEA, the premier Water Quality Member Association in New England. Throughout her tenure, she has placed a bold emphasis on volunteer support; member services, program expansion, broader technical reach, and public out-reach. Ms. Barry’s motivation and commitment is responsible for guiding the Association’s efforts to improve water quality and elevating the value of water and significance of our industry. Ms. Barry’s leadership is focused on advancing knowledge, innovation, and sound public policy for the protection of the water environment and our quality of life. Before serving as Executive Director, Ms. Barry worked in the environmental engineering industry for nearly 25 years as Strategic Market Programs Director at local, national and international engineering companies within the New England area. Ms. Barry has a B.S. in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Massachusetts and a M.A. in Communications Management and Public Relations from Emerson College.
	Ray Vermette, WEF Delegate Ray is currently the Facility Supervisor at the City of Dover, NH Wastewater Treatment Facility with over 30 years of experience in the wastewater field. He has an Associate’s Degree in Water and Wastewater Technology from the New Hampshire Technical College and a Certificate in Supervisory Skills from the University of New Hampshire. Ray is a New Hampshire Grade IV Wastewater Operator, NEWEA Grade IV Collections Operator, New Hampshire Grade I Water Treatment Operator and a NEWEA Grade I Laboratory Analysis. Ray has been a NEWEA member for over 20 years, serving as 2019 President, NH State Director and the Plant Operations Committee Chair. Before his involvement with NEWEA, Ray served on many NHWPCA Committees and was the Past President of the Associations 40th year. He is a past recipient of the NEWEA Alfred E. Peloquin Award,Operator of the Year Award and the Hatfield Award. Ray is also a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers.
	Janine Burke-Wells, WEF Delegate Janine Burke-Wells is the Executive Director of the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association, a position she has held since May 2019. Prior to joining NEBRA, Janine worked as a public servant for over three decades – 10 years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and over 20 years in local government where she managed the wastewater systems in West Warwick and Warwick (Rhode Island). Ms. Burke-Wells earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University. She represents the State of Rhode Island to the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. Ms. Burke-Wells has served NEWEA in many capacities including President in 2018. She is a member of NEWEA’s Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers. She continues to maintain a Rhode Island Wastewater Operator’s license which someone went out of their way to help her obtain early on in her clean water career.
	Virgil Lloyd, WEF Delegate Virgil is a Senior Vice President with Fuss & O’Neill Engineers, serving clients throughout New England. He has over 40 years’ experience in the water and wastewater industry. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Virgil holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of New Haven and a BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut. He is a devoted member of NEWEA and has served the organization in many roles, including having the honor to serve as President in 2021. He is also a long-time supporter of CT state association activities, where he is currently serving on the board of the Connecticut Water Environment Association and as chair of the Scholarship & Awards Committee. He is eagerly looking forward to serving the Association in the role of WEF Delegate.
	Emily Cole-Prescott, WEF Delegate Emily is Saco’s Planning Director and works closely with Saco’s Water Resource Recovery Department (WRRD) on water industry initiatives. Emily brings over seventeen years of diversified municipal government experience to this work and is passionate about the intersection of long-range resiliency planning and water services. She has a master’s in public administration, holds a Grade 3 wastewater operator certification and an AICP planning certification. Emily is also a member of the WEF Government Affairs Community and current President of the Maine Water Environment Association. In her spare time, Emily likes to spend time with her family and dogs, read, and golf.
	Vanessa McPherson, Connecticut State Director Vanessa is an Associate Vice President with Arcadis, focused on wastewater infrastructure in Connecticut for nearly 20 years. Her experience extends from planning through construction phases on collection system and treatment projects. She received both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Manhattan College, and is a registered Professional Engineer in Connecticut and New York. Her passion for all things water is one of the things that has defined Vanessa all of her life. Vanessa is a Board Member of CTWEA, and is honored to be a part of such a distinguished group of clean water professionals and advocates. She also serves on the Water Pollution Control Commission for the Town of Redding, CT.
	Paula Drouin, Maine State Director Paula Drouin is Assistant General Manager of the Lewiston-Auburn WPCA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural and Applied Sciences and a master’s degree in Biology, both from the University of Southern Maine. She also holds a Grade V-B Maine Wastewater license and a Grade II NEWEA Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certificate. Paula has been very active with the Maine Water Environment Association (MEWEA). She founded the Young Professionals Committee in 2011 and then went on to form and chair the New Media Committee (since combined with Communications) in 2014 which brough MEWEA into the world of Facebook and Twitter, and she still oversees those social media accounts as well as the website. She served as MEWEA President in 2018 and has also since chaired the Public Relations Committee and Awards Committee.
	John Digiacomo, Massachusetts State Director John is the Assistant Town Engineer for the Town of Natick, Massachusetts and has almost 27 years of experience as both a consultant (8 years) and municipal engineer (19 years). John earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 1997, is a Registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and a Certified Soil Evaluator in Massachusetts. He has been an active member and supporter of NEWEA since 2004 and has been a member of multiple committees (Collection Systems, Stormwater, CSO/Wet Weather, Membership, Public Awareness, Awards) during that time. He has been a regular moderator at NEWEA conferences and seminars and helped to coordinate numerous conferences during his time on the Collection Systems Committee. He is a past Chair of both the Collection Systems Committee and Assessment and Development Committee as well as past Council Director for the Collection Systems/Water Resource Council. John is also proud to be a member of the Massachusetts Water Environment Association (MAWEA) Board of Directors. He is a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers and the Golden Manhole Society. He is also a member of WEF’s Collection Systems Community.
	Michael Trainque, New Hampshire State Director Michael received his BS in Civil Engineering from UMass- Lowell in 1979 where he received the BSCES Howe-Walker award for outstanding ASCE student chapter member as Vice president of the ASCE student chapter. He is a licensed professional Civil Engineer in NH, MA, ME, VT and FL and has NCEES national certification. Michael received the Alfred E. Peloquin award from NEWEA at the annual conference in January 2022. He was with Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. for over 42 years, most recently as Vice President in the Northeast Municipal Engineering Services group in Manchester, NH. Michael’s experience is primarily in wastewater collection and treatment but also includes stormwater and other aspects of Civil Engineering. He served for 2 years on the NH Legislative Commission to study stormwater. He is currently the Chairman of Industrial Advisory Board for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at UMass Lowell and has been an active member of the Advisory Board since 1999. Michael serves on the Permits and Government Affairs Committees for the New Hampshire Water Pollution Control Association as well as the NEWEA Government Affairs Committee. Michael is a member of WEF as well as several other water and wastewater trade associations.
	Amy Anderson George, Rhode Island State Director Amy Anderson George is Principal Engineer out of Arcadis’s Wakefield MA office. She has 18 years of experience in the municipal wastewater field serving clients throughout New England. She received a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Roger Williams University. She has been an active member of NEWEA since 2005 and has served as the Chair of both the Exhibits Committee and the Program Committee, Meeting Management Council Director and a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers. She also serves on the board for Rhode Island Clean Water Association.
	Jennie Auster, Vermont State Director Jennie is Wright-Pierce’s Vermont Wastewater Group Leader. With over 20 years of engineering consulting experience, Jennie’s career has focused on municipal wastewater treatment with projects in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, New York, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. She has worked with over 40 wastewater treatment facilities in the past 14 years working in New England. She holds a B.S.E from the University of Michigan in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is a Director on the Green Mountain Water Environment Association Board and Chair of the Membership Committee. She is also on the Board of Advisors for the University of Vermont Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.
	Scott Lander, Collection Systems/Water Resource Council Director Scott is Vice President of Stormwater Management Systems for Retain-it LLC located in Granby Ct. He has 45 years of experience with the first 36 years supplying the wastewater and stormwater collections systems industry with watertight sealing solutions and during the last 10 years in his current position, supplying stormwater infiltration and detention systems for commercial, residential and municipal site development. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship & New Venture Management from Northeastern University, Boston, MA. Scott is a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers.
	Philip Tucker, Communications Council Director Philip Tucker has been in the wastewater industry since 1998. In that time Phil has done just about every job there is to do as an operator. He became a member of both MEWEA and NEWEA in 2013. He immediately joined MEWEA’s Collection System Committee and was awarded the Charles Perry Award in 2017. He joined the NEWEA Public Awareness Committee in 2016 and the Government Affairs Committee in 2021. He served as the chair and co-chair of MEWEA’s Convention Committee from 2017 – 2023 and in 2021 he had the honor of being MEWEA President. In 2022 he received MEWEA’s Past President Award and President’s Service Award and in 2023 had and his wife Theresa were awarded NEWEA’s Youth Educators Award. At the ’24 AC Phil received the Alfred E. Peloquin Award. In addition to his NEWEA roles Phil also serves in the newly created Outreach Counsel Director position for MEWEA and is Vice President for NEBRA.
	Daryl Coppola, Outreach Council Director Daryl Coppola started his career in 2013 as a field service technician at FR Mahony. During that time Daryl traveled all over New England troubleshooting and repairing various wastewater equipment. In 2019 Daryl moved into the outside sales team at FR Mahony and became a member of NEWEA and MEWEA YP committees. Daryl served as NEWEA’s YP Chair from 2021-2024 and currently serves on MEWEA’s collections committee. Daryl is the proud winner of the 2023 YP Summit MEME contest.
	Marina Fernandes, Treatment, Systems Operations and Management Council Director Bio forthcoming.
	Michael Murphy, Innovation Council Director Michael Murphy is currently the Director of the Water Innovation Council at the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) and an independent water tech innovation consultant. Most recently, Michael was the CEO of X2O, an early-stage water quality sensing, and data science company. Michael oversaw all aspects of X2O’s strategy, team building, and technology development. Prior to X2O, Michael was the Director of Water Innovation at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), where he provided leadership and strategy development in formulating and delivering on the Massachusetts vision to become a global leader in accelerating cutting-edge water technologies into the market. Before moving to Massachusetts in 2012, Michael worked on water initiatives at The World Bank, Global Environment Facility, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Pacific Institute, United States Business Council for Sustainable Development, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia. Of particular note, Michael was invited to attend and participate in the White House Water Summit in 2016 under the Obama Administration. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas State University and an MBA and M.A. from the Middlebury Institute at Monterey.
	Scott Neesen, Meeting Management Council Director As a member of ADS Environmental staff, Mr. Neesen plays a key role in our operations team and has over 20 years of hands-on experience in distribution and flow measurement using multiple technologies. He brings knowledge to every project he undertakes and has considerable expertise in Water Distribution, Leak Detection, Testing Master Water Meters, and CSO monitoring. Scott has a BS in Environmental Services.