Celebrating 20 Years of Advancing Stormwater Management in the Southeast
Supporting stormwater professionals, driving innovation, and protecting water quality since 2005.
How It All Began
In January 2005, after two years of conversations, brainstorming, and countless preliminary meetings, an idea finally took shape. More than 50 dedicated leaders in stormwater management from across the Southeast gathered in Atlanta, Georgia. There, in a pivotal vote, they agreed to form what would become the Southeast Stormwater Association.
That landmark decision was just the beginning. Energized by a shared vision, this newly formed group launched a membership campaign. It didn’t take long before SESWA proudly welcomed its first 50 member organizations, laying the foundation for a thriving community committed to advancing stormwater management throughout the region.
Growing to Meet Regional Needs
Shortly after its founding, SESWA was incorporated as a nonprofit. The goal? To create a stormwater focused regional association within EPA Region 4 that would equip cities, counties, consultants, and others to better address the complex challenges of stormwater management, permitting, education, and financing. From day one, SESWA’s mission has been clear: provide education and training for stormwater professionals; advocate for the interests of stormwater programs in regulatory and legal arenas; research, collect, and share best practices and resources; and, promote the effective management and operation of stormwater systems.
What We Do Today
Two decades later, SESWA continues to grow and serve as the Southeast’s trusted stormwater resource.
- Education & Training:
- Three free webinars each year
- Spring Seminar in Atlanta
- Annual Conference rotating across the Southeast
- Resources & Tools:
- Regulatory factsheets and technical references
- Free Job postings for members
- Online Community Discussion Forum to share questions and solutions
- Advocacy & Outreach:
- Detailed comments on proposed federal rule changes, including WOTUS
- Voice for stormwater community with EPA, Region 4
- Biennial Stormwater Utility Survey & Report
- Community:
- ForeCast e-newsletter every two months, written by members for members
- Annual photo contest highlighting stormwater projects across the Southeast
- Over 1,750 professionals in 220 organizations
20 Years of Leadership
From the start, SESWA’s strength has been its people, dedicated professionals who shaped not just our association, but also the stormwater field throughout the Southeast.
Our First Three Past Presidents:
- Larry Kaiser (Rockdale County, GA) — our first president, who laid the groundwork for a brand-new association.
- Chuck Jarman (Charleston County, SC) — expanded our reach and built partnerships that still thrive today.
- Daryl Hammock (City of Charlotte, NC) — established a stronger voice in policy and regulation.
Each president throughout SESWA's 20 years has brought their own vision, from growing our annual conferences to launching innovative resources, always grounded in a shared goal: protecting water quality and strengthening local communities. Together, this remarkable line of Presidents and all our dedicated volunteers have helped shape SESWA into the trusted resource it is today.
Leading into the Future
Today, SESWA is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors lead by our current Executive Committee:
President: John Butler, Gwinnett County, GA
Secretary-Treasurer: Lisa Wells, Ardurra
Board Representative: Kimberly Washok-Jones, Town of Bluffton, SC
SESWA is professionally managed by Association Management Professionals, ensuring day-to-day operations, member services, and events run smoothly.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are grateful to every member, partner, and volunteer who helped us reach this milestone. Together, we’ve built a strong foundation — and we’re excited to continue supporting, educating, and advocating for stormwater professionals across the Southeast for decades to come.
Join us as we look forward to the next 20 years! Become a Member Today!
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