Jim Stern, Executive Vice President for A. O. Smith Corp., is the new President of the Water Quality Association. Jim pledges to bring “a fresh set of eyes and ears” to his presidency, which will focus on helping the association grow through its new Strategic Plan.
“I can think of no industry or membership more poised to have a major impact on public health and safety than the water treatment industry and WQA,” Jim said in remarks at the 2022 WQA Convention & Exposition’s Opening General Session April 6, shortly after he accepted the gavel from outgoing President Toby Thomas of Kinetico.
“We can work together on public awareness, product standards, certifications, and policing bad practices to advance the cause of the industry knowing that with low penetration today, we are raising the industry for all participants,” Jim said. “For we all have a similar goal: We want to make water better for people.”
Jim outlined the three overarching strategic goals of WQA’s 2022-24 Strategic Plan, which he said is poised for success “primarily because of the strength of our committed membership.” They are:
- Advancing knowledge and professionalism of industry participants
- Increasing advocacy
- Driving public awareness and knowledge
In 2010, Jim helped A. O. Smith, a company focused primarily on water heating, enter the water treatment industry. Jim is responsible for overseeing the corporation’s legal, governance, compliance, securities law, and government relations functions. He also spends a significant portion of his time on corporate development and the company’s global water treatment business.
Jim earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. He serves on the Board of Directors of Badger Meter Inc. (NYSE: BMI).
WQA has a 24-member Board of Directors: 15 elected representatives of manufacturer/supplier members and nine from the dealer membership category. Eight directors, including Jim, serve as the Board of Governors. Jim has served four years on the Board of Directors, two of them on the Board of Governors.
Source: WQA
