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.

Our Deputy Executive Director and Senior Director of State Regulatory Programs, Sharon Gascon, has represented the private water industry for more than 25 years with the NAWC. Her responsibilities include providing information to Public Utilities Commissions across the country about the challenges facing the water industry. Sharon serves as the water industry's liaison to the NARUC Committee on Water and Staff Subcommittee on Water, and is a faculty member for the NARUC Utility Rate School.

Before joining NAWC, Sharon specialized in public health and environmental issues with the EPA Office of Drinking Water and began her career in water at the U. S. Department of the Interior as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Water Quality. When the EPA was created, she worked for the agency's first Administrator and was responsible for two Presidential Advisory Boards and charged with the mission of involving the public in national environmental policy issues. Sharon is involved in a number of national and local charities including CARE and Miss Ruby's Kids. She currently resides in Georgetown, SC, with her husband, Abe Brassington.

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.

Since joining the NAWC in 2009, Jessica Knight has worked to uncover a stronger brand positioning for the association. The rebranding effort ushered in a renewed dedication to engaging with all who care about safe and high-quality water while collaborating with other water advocacy organizations. She manages these initiatives, as well as NAWC's social media platforms, as part of her marketing role.

Jessica transforms research on industry perceptions and the public's awareness of water issues into communications goals and manages the delivery of key messages through press releases and speaking engagements, as well as ads, collateral and online programs.

With 12 years of marketing and PR experience from every side of business, including corporations, newspapers and creative agencies, Jessica holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina and her professional accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America. A true Southerner, Jessica's always on the hunt for sweet tea and enjoys taking her dog to downtown festivals.

Petra Smeltzer
Director of Government Relations

The newest 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.

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 and 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.

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.


**Now is your chance to join the NAWC team and support the nation's most innovative water service companies. We have an exciting career opportunity available, for more information, click here.