{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"493 Preparing for AWT 2026: Leadership, Change, and CWT Growth with Matt Coffindaffer, Part 1","description":" Strong professional associations do more than provide programs and credentials. They create an environment where members can exchange knowledge, build trusted relationships, and prepare their businesses for what comes next. As the Association of Water Technologies enters a new operational chapter, Executive Director Matt Coffindaffer explains how AWT is strengthening that environment without losing the culture that makes it distinctive.     From the Arts to Association Leadership  Before entering association management, Matt built a career behind the scenes in theater. His experience designing scenery, lighting, and technical environments taught him how people with different skills can work together in service of a larger concept.  That same principle now shapes his leadership at AWT. Matt describes his role as a partnership with the board of directors: helping volunteer leaders make timely, consequential decisions based on reliable information while directing the staff and daily operations that turn strategy into member value.    Evolving AWT\u2019s Operational Structure  After 20 years with Management Solutions Plus, AWT transitioned its association management support to Momentum Association Management. Matt explains that the change was driven by the organization\u2019s long-term strategic goals and the need to align staff resources with the expectations of a growing membership.  Members can expect evolutionary improvements before larger changes take shape. Specialized support is being assigned to membership, CWT certification, committees, meetings, and exhibits. A new ticketing system will also help AWT track inquiries and connect members with the appropriate staff. With the annual convention approaching, customer service and a successful Oklahoma City experience remain the immediate priorities.    Expanding the Reach of the CWT Program  The Certified Water Technologist designation remains one of AWT\u2019s most important professional programs. However, the number of certificate holders has remained around 300 to 350 for more than a decade, despite more than 4,500 professionals being within AWT\u2019s member orbit.  Matt outlines a broader strategy for growth: examine potential barriers to eligibility, provide specialized administrative support, pursue ANSI accreditation, and work toward greater recognition of the CWT designation in bid specifications and regulatory requirements. The objective is to expand participation while preserving the credential\u2019s rigor and professional value.    Making the Convention Work for You  Trace closes with a practical reminder: plan your agenda, make time for the exhibit hall, and use the Scaling UP! H2O button as a simple conversation starter. Attendees can continue those connections during the next Hang on October 1 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.  The strength of AWT comes from professionals who contribute their knowledge, volunteer their time, and help one another succeed. Preparing intentionally for the convention allows you to take full advantage of that community.  Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!    Timestamps 02:10 \u2014 Trace introduces the AWT Convention and Expo and explains why the gathering matters to industrial water treatment professionals.  03:00 \u2014 The episode\u2019s convention-focused agenda covers preparation, networking, learning opportunities, and changes taking place within AWT.  05:00 \u2014 Industrial Water Week 2026 offers five days of themed education, from pretreatment and boilers to cooling, wastewater, and careers.  08:10 \u2014 Matt Coffindaffer joins the podcast and introduces his role as executive director of the Association of Water Technologies.  12:10 \u2014 Matt connects his background in the arts with association leadership, emphasizing service to a mission larger than any one contributor.  14:10 \u2014 Matt explains how his previous association management experience introduced him to AWT and its highly engaged volunteer community.  17:20 \u2014 AWT\u2019s established programs, committed volunteers, and healthy organizational model distinguish it from associations requiring a complete turnaround.  23:30 \u2014 Matt describes AWT\u2019s unusually collaborative culture and explains why its meetings and programs feel like a professional homecoming.  24:30 \u2014 The executive director\u2019s primary responsibility is helping the board make informed decisions while strengthening organizational capacity.  28:50 \u2014 Matt explains how an association management company provides flexible access to specialized staff and additional event resources.  31:30 \u2014 Becoming AWT\u2019s first direct employee allowed Matt to evaluate the organization beyond the limits of a consulting scope.  34:00 \u2014 AWT\u2019s transition from Management Solutions Plus to Momentum Association Management reflects its strategic goals and future operational needs.  39:10 \u2014 AWT begins developing a broader plan to expand the CWT program while preserving the credential\u2019s professional rigor.  41:30 \u2014 ANSI accreditation could strengthen the CWT program\u2019s credibility and support broader recognition in legislation, regulation, and bid specifications.  45:20 \u2014 During the transition period, AWT prioritizes customer service, tracked member inquiries, and a successful convention experience.  49:10 \u2014 New committee liaisons and recurring leadership roundtables will give AWT volunteers more consistent operational support.  52:10 \u2014 Matt introduces Janessa Camps, AWT\u2019s new director of membership and operations and a primary contact for member assistance.  54:50 \u2014 Trace explains how the Scaling UP! H2O \u201cmagic button\u201d can help attendees start conversations and build new professional relationships.  57:30 \u2014 The next Hang, scheduled for October 1 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, gives attendees an opportunity to continue connections made at the convention.    Quotes \u201cI think the real common thread between the arts and associations is it\u2019s about a group of people from all different backgrounds, but they\u2019re, at their core, very passionate about the work that they\u2019re doing.\u201d  \u201cI really do view the AWT as home.\u201d  \u201cIt\u2019s my job to make sure that they are making timely, consequential decisions based on the best data available.\u201d  \u201cI think over the next three to six months, you\u2019ll see some evolutionary changes, but we\u2019ll really start to see some significant changes in 2027 and beyond.\u201d  \u201cBut we want to make sure that we\u2019re maintaining the character and the rigor of the CWT while making sure that we\u2019re not creating unnecessary barriers to adoption.\u201d    Connect with Matt Coffindaffer Email: mcoffindaffer@awt.org   Website: AWT \u2013 The Association of Water Technologies   LinkedIn: Matt Coffindaffer, MBA, CAE | LinkedIn   Association of Water Technologies (AWT): About | LinkedIn     Guest Resources Mentioned   AWT 2026 Annual Convention & Exposition   2026 AWT Business Owners Meeting   The Value of CWT Certification  ANAB Personnel Certification Accreditation  Momentum Association Management    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  468 Born into Water Treatment: Tom Brandvold on AWT\u2019s Origin Story and a Life in the Industry   127 The One With Tom Hutchison   426 Sustaining Success: Tom Hutchison on Leading Through Generational Change    2026 Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we\u2019ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.     This episode made possible through our valued partners at  ","author_name":"Scaling UP! H2O","author_url":"http:\/\/scalinguph2o.com","html":"