Amanda Moore, CWS, vice president of Atlantic Filter Corp., became Water Quality Association (WQA) president during the 2023 WQA Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas. Pledging to focus on ethics, mentorship, and other forms of industry support, Moore took office 25 years after her father, James Wakem, served as WQA president.

"We know there will be challenges ahead, but one thing is certain: We are stronger together," Moore said shortly after accepting the gavel from outgoing president Jim Stern, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for A. O. Smith Corp.. "The Water Quality Association is perfectly poised as the thought leader to guide us into the future."

Moore said that as headlines warn of water quality crises and consumers seek ways to ensure their water is safer and healthier, it's essential that WQA members continue to be trusted resources. Their pledge to abide by WQA's Code of Ethics helps them do that, she said.

"As we reach out to legislators, regulators, health and safety officials, we must prove to them with our actions, not just words, that we are trustworthy, professional, and committed to upholding the high standards and ethical principles of the association to protect public health," she said.

Moore described mentorship as another of her passions, crediting "many colleagues in this room" for serving as mentors who "have guided me in my industry and association journey, and even here to this stage."  Moore was a founding member of WQA's Women in Industry (WIN) Advisory Council and has served as a mentor to others in the association.

"I truly believe in the power of engaged membership and mentorship," she said.

Moore leads WQA in the second year of its 2022-24 strategic plan, with its three overarching goals of advancing the knowledge and professionalism of industry participants, increasing advocacy, and driving public awareness and knowledge.

She joined Atlantic Filter in 1997 after earning a degree from Vanderbilt University. Moore is the third generation to serve a leadership role for the equipment manufacturing company that her late grandfather, Wallace Wakem, started in Palm Beach County, Florida, in 1955. Her father now serves as chairman. Atlantic Filter was purchased by A. O. Smith in 2022.

Moore was elected to the WQA Board of Directors in 2019. She was honored with WQA's Next Gen Award in 2017 and the Key Award in 2021. For many years, she also has been active in leadership in the Florida Water Quality Association, serving as its president in 2018. 

WQA has a 24-member board of directors. Eight directors, including Moore, serve as the board of governors.