Our Team

Before joining the NAWC as our Executive Director, Michael Deane served as Associate Assistant Administrator for Water in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2007 to January 2009. Prior to being appointed to this position, he served as Senior Policy Advisor, Infrastructure Finance, for the Agency's Office of Water. Before joining the EPA in 2006, Michael was an executive at several water management companies, including United Water and its parent company Suez and the U.S. operations of Vivendi (now Veolia), focusing on innovative financing and infrastructure policy. He began his career in water at the EPA, working on the state revolving fund and public-private partnership programs.

Originally from Minnesota, Michael holds a master of environmental management degree from Duke University and a bachelor's degree in biology and geography from Gustavus Adolphus College. A regular presenter at conferences, Michael serves on the Pictet Water Fund Advisory Board and the ITT Global Water Advisory Board. When he's not engaging with reporters on ways to repair our nation's aging infrastructure, Michael is working on restoration projects at his house in historic Old Town, Alexandria, VA.

Mike Horner has worked for the NAWC for more than 20 years and is our Director of Administration and Membership. Mike has had a variety of duties over the years, ranging from publishing a quarterly magazine and planning events to managing the organization's finances.

Prior to joining the organization, he worked for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and Bachner Communications, a public relations firm specializing in association management. Mike is a native of Washington, DC, and a graduate of the University of Virginia. He serves as a Chief Election Officer in Arlington, VA, and is an avid dog owner, softball player and drummer.


Marybeth Leongini
Director of Communications 

Marybeth is responsible for the external positioning and overall communications strategy for NAWC. She brings over fifteen years of experience in marketing and public relations to the team. Throughout her career she has worked on behalf of a wide range of industries including health care, financial services, transportation and manufacturing.

Her most recent position prior to joining NAWC was serving as vice president, communications and marketing for the Consumer Bankers Association where she oversaw all marketing and public relations initiatives. During her tenure with CBA, her media relations efforts centered on proactively positioning and raising the profile of CBA, CBA’s leadership and key events and programs.

She also has the unique experience of having worked on the agency side of the business where she was responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication plans for B2B clients as well as new client acquisition.

Marybeth holds a bachelor's degree from Belmont Abbey College and a master's degree in mass communications/public relations from the University of South Carolina. She currently resides in Alexandria, VA.


Matt McCaffree
Director of State Regulatory Relations

Matt McCaffree is the most recent team member to join the NAWC and is responsible for the Association’s direct outreach to state utility commissions and state regulatory strategy. 

Matt comes to NAWC with extensive experience in regulatory issues that impact cost-of-service regulation, rate design, and utility resource planning. He has approached utility regulatory issues from the perspective of an industry consultant, an advocate, and a utility vendor.

With a background in regulated energy utility issues, Matt has worked directly with investor-owned owned electric utilities to advance best practices in demand side management, program design, and alternative rate mechanisms at the Institute for Electric Efficiency at the Edison Foundation. He has also developed expertise in rate making and utility regulation while working with The Brattle Group, a leading economic consulting firm, and Opower, an energy efficiency software company.

Matt has also held positions at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other specialized agencies of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.  He holds a B.A. in International Relations from Webster Univeristy and a Master of Arts in Law & Diplomacy from Tufts University. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and daughter.

Petra Smeltzer
Director of Government Relations

A recent member of the NAWC family, Petra Smeltzer manages all state and federal level outreach and advocacy on behalf of the private water service industry.  

Petra comes to NAWC with broad-based experience in government affairs having worked on the regulatory and legislative fronts at both the federal and state levels.  She is skilled in the areas of lobbying, strategic planning, policy management, coalition building and developing strategic alliances.  She has a strong background working for trade associations and has represented state government, oil and gas, electricity, electric manufacturing – and now, water.

A few of her past positions include the American Petroleum Institute as a public policy advisor and liaison; Governor Taft’s office (State of Ohio) as a federal liaison managing the governor’s energy and environmental issue portfolio; the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) as a Washington representative on environmental affairs; and the National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) on energy efficiency matters on the federal and state levels. Petra enjoys practicing yoga and speaks German fluently.


Jean Smith
Executive Assistant

Jean Smith is executive assistant to Michael Deane and provides overall office and administrative support to our entire team. Jean has extensive senior management support experience specific to the unique needs of associations, including serving as Senior Coordinator, Communications and Government Relations at the National Association of Manufacturers and as Executive Assistant and Office Manager with the American Public Works Association.

Carlos Villanueva
Manager of Information Technology and Member Services

Carlos Villanueva joined the NAWC in July 1999 and is our Manager of Information Technology and Member Services. Carlos manages all IT-related issues, including the purchasing, upgrading and maintenance of equipment, software and help services. He works directly with active and associate members in providing general support and is responsible for database and contract management, event marketing, sponsorships,  promotions and billing.

Prior to joining the organization, he worked with a telecommunications consulting firm, developing proposals and directing international trade missions for telecommunications decision-makers. Born in the Dominican Republic and a world-traveler, Carlos graduated from George Mason University with a degree in international relations.