| Date | Event |
| 5/5/2026 | Artificial intelligence is rapidly making its way into the water sector—but not all tools, claims, or use cases are created equal. This webinar will explore what AI is actually being used for in the water industry today, where it provides real value, and where caution is warranted. Panelists will discuss practical applications, potential risks, ethical considerations, and what the future of AI may look like for utilities, consultants, and industry professionals. Designed for professionals at all career stages, this session aims to cut through the hype and provide a realistic, balanced perspective on AI in water. Speakers Eric Sullivan Eric Sullivan is the Director of Strategic Development at SewerAI, a cloud-based AI platform focused on improving the reliability, efficiency, and usability of sewer and stormwater inspection data. He works closely with utilities, consulting engineers, and contractors across North America to translate emerging AI capabilities into practical workflows that support condition assessment, capital planning, and regulatory compliance. With nearly two decades of experience in underground infrastructure, Eric has supported large municipal programs, consent decree-driven initiatives, and complex inspection and rehabilitation efforts nationwide. He is a NASSCO-certified PACP, LACP, and MACP Trainer and has been actively involved in industry standards, training, and technology adoption since 2012. At SewerAI, Eric focuses on the real-world implementation of AI-assisted inspection, automated QA/QC, risk-based prioritization, and integration with GIS and asset management systems. He regularly collaborates with engineering teams and public agencies to evaluate where AI delivers measurable value, where it introduces risk, and how transparency, validation, and governance should guide responsible adoption. Eric is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and webinars and is committed to helping practitioners distinguish practical AI applications from speculation, ensuring technology adoption supports professional standards, public trust, and long-term infrastructure stewardship. Sarah Sweat Sarah Sweat has over 12 years of experience working in Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, Freshwater Ecology, and Public Works utilizing GIS. Previously, she worked for the Tennessee Aquarium as a GIS Analyst where she focused on spatial analyses of freshwater turtles, salamanders, fishes, and crayfishes. Currently, Sarah is a GIS Project Manager at LJA Engineering in Chattanooga, TN where she focuses on data management and application building for clients across the Southeast. Sarah uses artificial intelligence at LJA Engineering to enhance her GIS workflows to maximize efficiency and produce high quality deliverables for their clients. In her spare time, Sarah uses artificial intelligence to study the impact on animals from topics such as climate change, sea level rise, and renewable energy. She currently co-authors more than 15 peer reviewed publications on various spatial analyses and predictive modeling. John Fox John Fox is the Director of Public Utilities for the Town of Collierville, Tennessee, where he provides leadership and strategic oversight for the community’s water and wastewater systems, capital improvement programs, and utility operations. With more than 25 years of experience in public service and infrastructure management, John focuses on operational excellence, long-range planning, regulatory compliance, and delivering reliable public services that support sustainable community growth. John’s career spans municipal government, environmental and emergency response operations, and military service. He began his professional career in the U.S. Army as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, an experience that shaped his leadership philosophy centered on teamwork, accountability, and mission-driven execution. He later transitioned into municipal leadership, where he has managed complex operations, led multidisciplinary teams, and implemented improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen service delivery, and maximize public resources. A dedicated advocate for the public works profession, John served as West Branch Director for the Tennessee Chapter of the American Public Works Association (TCAPWA) before being elected State President in 2022. He also serves as an instructor for the Tennessee Public Works Institute, helping mentor and develop future public works leaders across Tennessee. John actively integrates artificial intelligence into his professional work to improve communication, analyze operational and financial data, support policy development, and streamline municipal processes. He also explores AI personally as a tool for continuous learning, technology innovation, and practical problem solving. Adam Byard Adam Byard is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelors in Biosystems Engineering. He has over 20 years of experience in design and rehabilitation including asset management, CMOM, and regulatory support. He serves on the Dragonfly team; Dragonfly is an AI condition assessment tool. He also serves as Jacobs South Region Technology lead for the Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation group. When not working he serves on the board of Knox Procorps, a non-profit serving underprivileged communities locally and abroad. He also enjoys spending time at his wife, of 20 years, and driving his two Kids, Lily Kate and Levi, to their sporting events. Mackenzie Martin Mackenzie Martin, P.E., is a Project Engineer in the Water group at Barge Design Solutions. She holds a master’s degree in civil engineering and works extensively in the planning and design of water distribution systems, wastewater infrastructure, and environmentally responsible utility solutions. Her work focuses on developing practical and sustainable approaches that support long term system performance and regulatory compliance. Mackenzie is an active member of the American Water Works Association and Clean Water Professionals. She currently serves as co-chair of the Young Professionals Committee and is also an engaged member of the Women in Water group. Through this involvement, she is dedicated to strengthening collaboration, mentorship, and professional development within the water industry. She regularly applies advanced engineering tools including hydraulic and water distribution modeling, GIS, and AI driven visualization platforms to analyze complex systems and clearly communicate technical information to project teams, utility staff, and stakeholders. Professionally, Mackenzie uses AI to support data interpretation, streamline workflows, and enhance how technical concepts are presented and understood. She views AI as a complementary tool that improves efficiency and clarity rather than a replacement for engineering judgment. On a personal level, Mackenzie uses AI as a thinking partner to help plan, brainstorm, and refine ideas in everyday life. She frequently uses it while working through wedding planning, cooking ideas, travel planning, and creative projects. Rather than simply seeking answers, she uses AI as a sounding board to explore options, organize her thoughts, and work through small logistical challenges when she feels stuck. Moderator: Mark McKinney Mark is the Director of the Water Solutions Center at Barge Design Solutions. He is especially interested in the real-world application of AI: where it can increase speed and clarity, where it introduces risk, and how organizations can adopt it responsibly. Attendees are eligible for a PDH. Hosted by: AWWA/CWP Young Professional Committee  |
| 5/7/2026 | For more details, please reach out to Cody Phillips, Mackenzie Martin, Olivia Yates, or Brianna Baxter. |
| 5/14/2026 | For more information, please reach out to Maci Young. |
