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493 Preparing for AWT 2026: Leadership, Change, and CWT Growth with Matt Coffindaffer, Part 1

Release Date: 09/11/2026

493 Preparing for AWT 2026: Leadership, Change, and CWT Growth with Matt Coffindaffer, Part 1

Scaling UP! H2O

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 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...

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More Episodes

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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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 — Trace introduces the AWT Convention and Expo and explains why the gathering matters to industrial water treatment professionals.

03:00 — The episode’s convention-focused agenda covers preparation, networking, learning opportunities, and changes taking place within AWT.

05:00 — Industrial Water Week 2026 offers five days of themed education, from pretreatment and boilers to cooling, wastewater, and careers.

08:10 — Matt Coffindaffer joins the podcast and introduces his role as executive director of the Association of Water Technologies.

12:10 — Matt connects his background in the arts with association leadership, emphasizing service to a mission larger than any one contributor.

14:10 — Matt explains how his previous association management experience introduced him to AWT and its highly engaged volunteer community.

17:20 — AWT’s established programs, committed volunteers, and healthy organizational model distinguish it from associations requiring a complete turnaround.

23:30 — Matt describes AWT’s unusually collaborative culture and explains why its meetings and programs feel like a professional homecoming.

24:30 — The executive director’s primary responsibility is helping the board make informed decisions while strengthening organizational capacity.

28:50 — Matt explains how an association management company provides flexible access to specialized staff and additional event resources.

31:30 — Becoming AWT’s first direct employee allowed Matt to evaluate the organization beyond the limits of a consulting scope.

34:00 — AWT’s transition from Management Solutions Plus to Momentum Association Management reflects its strategic goals and future operational needs.

39:10 — AWT begins developing a broader plan to expand the CWT program while preserving the credential’s professional rigor.

41:30 — ANSI accreditation could strengthen the CWT program’s credibility and support broader recognition in legislation, regulation, and bid specifications.

45:20 — During the transition period, AWT prioritizes customer service, tracked member inquiries, and a successful convention experience.

49:10 — New committee liaisons and recurring leadership roundtables will give AWT volunteers more consistent operational support.

52:10 — Matt introduces Janessa Camps, AWT’s new director of membership and operations and a primary contact for member assistance.

54:50 — Trace explains how the Scaling UP! H2O “magic button” can help attendees start conversations and build new professional relationships.

57:30 — 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

“I think the real common thread between the arts and associations is it’s about a group of people from all different backgrounds, but they’re, at their core, very passionate about the work that they’re doing.”

“I really do view the AWT as home.”

“It’s my job to make sure that they are making timely, consequential decisions based on the best data available.”

“I think over the next three to six months, you’ll see some evolutionary changes, but we’ll really start to see some significant changes in 2027 and beyond.”

“But we want to make sure that we’re maintaining the character and the rigor of the CWT while making sure that we’re not creating unnecessary barriers to adoption.”

Connect with Matt Coffindaffer