Water For People Co-Founder, Jack Mannion, Dies
Thursday, February 12, 2009

By AWWA Streamlines Staff

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By AWWA Streamlines Staff

John B. (Jack) Mannion, former AWWA executive director, died Feb. 4. He retired in 1996 after nearly eight years of leadership at AWWA. He came to AWWA after more than a decade of work in the water supply field. 

Fred Elwell, former AWWA president and current president of Water For People, noted that Mannion was highly respected for his communication skills and ability to reach out to others, within the association and internationally. Mannion was also generous with ideas. “He never had a good idea; he always passed them off to the volunteer leaders,” said Elwell.

Mannion was a co-founder of  Water For People and helped guide it through to its 501(3)c designation as a charitable organization, a process that took nine years, according to Ken Miller, a past president of AWWA, the Awwa Research Foundation (now the Water Research Foundation), and Water For People. Miller recalled the Mannion’s suggestions for the Water For People name and open-hands logo. “Jack was a real supporter of Water For People” until the end of his life, he said.

Jack Hoffbuhr, recently retired AWWA executive director, called his predecessor a master at building consensus and bringing differing points of view to resolution. “Today the water profession lost a great mentor, champion and friend. Jack had a lot to do with the successes of AWWA and the Water Research Foundation. He was also instrumental in the foundation of Water For People. His leadership inspired all of us dedicated to safe water and public health; and we will miss him immensely,” said Hoffbuhr.

AWWA President Mike Leonard has posted a tribute to Mannion on the Presidents Blog and invites readers to share their own memories there.

Prior to joining AWWA, Mannion served as deputy executive director of AwwaRF. He served several federal agencies, overseeing training, leadership development, and public information programs for the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Economic Development Administration.

His career included organizational leadership and management as an executive with nonprofit organizations and a consultant. His charm and wit made him a popular guest lecturer at universities, including Notre Dame, George Washington, and Illinois. Earlier in his career, he was an entertainer and produced award-winning radio and television programs. Among his numerous awards was a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Service from the Executive Office of the President of the United States.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1931, he was also a prolific writer, authoring two mysteries, in addition to personal columns and technical papers. After retiring from AWWA, he edited The Changing Water Utility: Creative Approaches to Effectiveness and Efficiency, highlighting innovative management approaches.

His widow, Cheryl Kring, has asked that memorials in Jack’s name be sent to Water For People.