Board Members

Chris has been with WAWSA since 2015, and has served as the Executive Director since 2024. He was inspired to take on the leadership role by seeing the opportunity to help serve his community by expanding the availability of fresh water. With a background in landowner relations and project management, he brings strong public relations and leadership experience to WAWSA. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and friends and being outdoors.

Ward has served on the WAWSA board since its inception in 2011 and has played an important role in supporting the organization's mission. As the former mayor of Williston for 20 years, he was motivated to serve on the board to help ensure the entire region had an adequate and reliable water supply. He brings extensive knowledge of WAWSA's history and development. Looking to the future, Ward hopes WAWSA will continue to provide dependable, quality water to ALL of Northwest ND.

Chris has been serving on the WAWSA board since 2013. He values the opportunity to help provide quality, abundant, and reliable water to communities throughout Northwest ND and finds it rewarding to contribute to improving the region's quality of life. Drawing on 36 years with MWEC, and serving on numerous boards and commissions, he brings strong leadership, communication, teamwork, and consensus building skills to the board. Outside of WAWSA, Chris enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, sports and music entertainment, golf, motorcycle riding, community service, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He's also a Walt Disney World junkie!

Gary has served on the WAWSA board since its inception in 2011, helping to lay the foundation for expanding reliable rural water service across Northwest ND. As the mayor of Fortuna, a self-employed business owner, and a member of several water and community boards, Gary brings decades of leadership and advocacy to WAWSA. Having experienced the challenges of limited access to quality water, he is passionate about ensuring every resident has access to safe and affordable water.

Robert has served on the WAWSA board since April 2022, and brings decades of experience in water policy, public service, and law. As a retired attorney, and an active community leader, Robert has dedicated much of his career to advancing water infrastructure and economic development in Northwest ND. His extensive background in legislative and water policy helps guide WAWSA's mission of providing reliable and affordable water to the region.

Doug joined the WAWSA board in 2018 as a representative of Burke-Divide Water (BDW). At the time, he was serving as an elected official on the Crosby City Council, and joining the WAWSA board seemed like an opportunity to give BDW and the City of Crosby a voice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Administration, and his background in vocational fields and management has provided him with a unique opportunity to be an asset on the WAWSA board. Doug is proud to be part of WAWSA's continued growth, and looks forward to helping the organization remain a leader in water transmission and distribution throughout ND and beyond. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through recreational activities such as kayaking, biking, and hiking.

Ellis was appointed to the WAWSA board in 2014 and became very interested in the organization's operations and purpose. Having a degree in hardrock geology and mining operations, he spent 33 years as an inspector for the ND Industrial Commission's Oil & Gas Division, which allows him to bring a unique perspective and knowledge base to his role on the WAWSA board. In his free time, Ellis enjoys gardening, moving snow, hunting, hiking, target range, and does his own reloading.

Raoul has been serving on the WAWSA board for 11 years. He was inspired to join the board after learning about WAWSA's mission and recognizing the importance of ensuring a reliable water supply for western ND. Beyond WAWSA, Raoul has served on several other Boards including the Stanley Golf Club, Stanley City Council, and the Stanley Airport Authority. In his spare time, he enjoys trap shooting, golf, and fishing.

Kent has served on the WAWSA board since 2021. He has worked in the water industry, mainly in water treatment and distribution, for over 20 years, and brings valuable technical knowledge and practical insight to the Board. His hope for the future of WAWSA is to bring safe and affordable water to everyone in the area who wants it. In his spare time, Kent enjoys hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Larry was appointed to the WAWSA board in 2018. He serves on the board because he understands the importance of providing water to western ND. His contribution to the Board involves bringing common sense and a desire to help people. When not serving on the WAWSA board, his time is devoted to farming.

Matt has been serving on the WAWSA board since 2021. He joined the board due to having an interest in providing clean, safe, cost effective, and a reliable source of municipal drinking water in Northwest ND. As a profesional land surveryor and civil engineer, he is able to bring an educational and experienced engineering point of view. When he's not serving on the board, he and his wife can be found chasing their kids' extracurricular activities, including church, hockey, football, music, trap, and speech club.

Char has been serving on the WAWSA board since 2021. She takes pride in helping ensure that board decisions are well documented and communicated while supporting the continued success and sustainability of the region's water system. In her free time, Char enjoys reading books and spending time with her family.