NRWA Staff

Matt Holmes

Chief Executive Officer
matt@nrwa.org

Matt is responsible for personnel management, grant and contract administration, along with multiple other leadership roles. Prior to working at NRWA, Matt served as the Executive Director of the New Mexico Rural Water Association for 13 years. He has extensive experience in mediation, conflict resolution and facilitating community-based planning processes, always placing emphasis on developing local skills and resources instead of relying on outside assistance.

Brian Churchman

Chief Financial Officer
brian@nrwa.org

As the Association’s CFO, Brian is responsible for the daily accounting functions of the organization including financial statement preparation, grant administration and financial reporting. Brian attended Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in Accounting in 1990 and became a CPA in 1994. Prior to joining NRWA, Brian served as the CFO of a regional council of governments in Oklahoma for 23 years.

Kalli Forshee

Executive Assistant
kalli@nrwa.org

Kalli graduated from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She began in the communications department in September of 2018, and then transitioned into the Executive Assistant to the CEO. She serves as a liaison to NRWA’s Board of Directors, coordinates outreach and external relations, compiles relevant information and oversees special projects. Kalli is truly passionate about photography and communicating with others.

Randy Norden

Federal Programs Director
randy@nrwa.org

Randy has over 25 years of experience in the industry and served much of that time with Missouri Rural Water Association, most recently as the Executive Director. As Director of Federal Programs, Norden supervises a wide range of technical assistance, training, workforce development and other programs for the water and wastewater industry. 

Shannan Walton

Apprenticeship Program Manager
shannan@nrwa.org

Shannan has been involved in registered apprenticeship for more than 22 years. She has an exceptional resume, working at the state and national level of apprenticeship and training. Shannan joined the NRWA team in 2018 and has been an integral part of workforce development and initiating the NRWA Apprenticeship Program. She provides technical assistance to State Associations, coordinates multiple projects, writes quarterly grant reports, along with a plethora of other duties.

Audrey Whitefeather

EPA Program Manager
audrey@nrwa.org

Audrey works with the Circuit Rider, Wastewater, Energy Efficiency, and EPA Training programs in grant reporting and data analysis. Audrey’s professional experience includes Grants Compliance, Internal Auditor, Tribal Administration, Tribal Water Systems and Banking. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Communications from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. She is a current graduate student of International Relations at the University of Oklahoma.

Rita Clary

Circuit Rider Program Manager
rita@nrwa.org

Rita came to NRWA from the Kansas Rural Water Association, where she served for 10 years. She began as an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Circuit Rider and assisted multiple water systems with funding options. She is currently the Program Manager for the USDA Rural Development Circuit Rider Program.

Barbara Merrill

Compliance Officer
barbara@nrwa.org

Barbara began working for NRWA in 1984 and has had many roles in the association since then. She has worked on multiple projects and programs in her tenure, including the Circuit Rider, Energy Efficiency and Wastewater Programs. Barbara is currently in charge of keeping the Board of Directors up-to-date with current events and information surrounding NRWA.

Kim Vang

Apprenticeship Program Assistant Manager
kim@nrwa.org

Kim has been an important and versatile employee at NRWA for 32 years. She assists the Apprenticeship Program Manager with compiling data for reports, planning of training events, keeping records from apprenticeship coordinators, as well as maintains accounting reports and SubAward agreements. She is also the Program Coordinator for the Utility Management Certification Program.

Anthony Prince

Corporate Relations Manager
anthony@nrwa.org

Anthony leads the Membership & Communications team, while building and maintaining relationships with all corporate members and sponsors. Anthony is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and worked for 16 years in the financial industry, gaining experience in staff management, employee training, and consumer and commercial lending. Anthony will also manage the (proposed) credit union upon approval.

Cheyenne Jones

Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
cheyenne@nrwa.org

Cheyenne graduated from Oklahoma State University with bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Communications and Animal Science. She grew up with a diverse background, raising cattle her whole life. She joined the NRWA communications team in 2019, and takes care of the website, printed media, social media accounts, Rural Water Wire, Rural Water magazine, and other communications duties. Cheyenne is highly skilled in writing, graphic design, and photography.

Shelby Young

Membership Services Coordinator
Shelby@nrwa.org

Shelby Young is a Texas Tech University graduate, earning her Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science in 2016 and her Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science in 2019. Young grew up in a rural agricultural community outside of Plainview, Texas and has remained active in agriculture through her graduate research. She has spent the past year conducting research in Australia through the Fulbright Program, working with Australian cotton growers and plant pathologists on cotton disease issues. She is completing her second Master’s in Agribusiness at Texas Tech University and will graduate in December. Shelby will be coordinating directly with our membership and overseeing our Association Management Software.

Dawn Myers

Affinity Program Coordinator
dawn@nrwa.org

Dawn began her career with NRWA in 1997 as the Meeting and Housing Manager, planning and implementing the meetings nationwide. In 2017, Dawn took over the management of the Affinity Program, keeping the State Associations updated on all changes and additions to the Products & Services Portfolio. She also assists the nine Affinity Parters with their marketing strategies and communication with the states.

Brad Reed

Program Support Group Manager
brad@nrwa.org

Growing up, Brad worked for his local rural water district reading meters, assisting with leak detection and repairs, and various other tasks before attending college and earning a bachelor’s degree at Lubbock Christian University. Brad began work for NRWA in 1999 as a programmer and technical support representative. Now, Brad ensures everything runs smoothly on the technology side and that Program Managers and others have the data and reports they need.

Steve O’Connor

Database Administrator
steve@nrwa.org

Steve has been with NRWA for about 11 years. His primary functions within the association are to maintain the functionality of the federal program data collection systems and their software, maintain association hardware, assist with user support for the federal and association systems and assist with federal program database management and reporting.

David Laughlin

Program Analyst
david@nrwa.org

David began his position with NRWA in August of 2019 and assists with monthly and quarterly reporting for all Federal Programs, offering support to the Program Managers. He has previously worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist, a certified ISO 9001:2015 auditor, and a Reporter and Managing Editor. David is excited to utilize his diverse skills and experience to make a worthwhile impact on the water industry.

Amie Booth

Program Analyst
amie@nrwa.org

Amie began her position in August of 2019. Her primary responsibility is providing support to the Program Managers. Her team proofreads and edits the monthly significant contacts from the State Association Programs. Amie has a wealth of experience in the nonprofit world, along with having a working knowledge of federal grants, organization and analysis of a variety of data formats.

Becca Murray

Events Manager
becca@nrwa.org

Becca has held multiple roles in the NRWA since her start in 1998. She is currently in charge of all meeting and event planning for NRWA. She coordinates the WaterPro Conference, InService Training, Rural Water Rally, along with multiple other meetings throughout the year.

Dena Powell

Meetings Coordinator
dena@nrwa.org

Dena has been with the NRWA for 27 years and has played an important role in our success. She currently assists with planning the exhibits and signage for the WaterPro Conference along with helping Becca plan our other Association events throughout the year.

Bo Baggett

Accounting Director
bo@nrwa.org

Bo manages the NRWA accounting department and prepares NRWA’s financial statements and financial grant reports. His duties include oversight of NRWA’s single audit, scholarship program, and accounting for the Water Institute. As a Certified Public Accountant, Bo has 10+ years of experience in tax and payroll accounting.

Jeana Earnhart

Accountant
jeana@nrwa.org

Jeana has been with NRWA since 1995 and is responsible for all payments made by NRWA including vendors, board members, and staff travel reimbursements. She also initiates electronic payments of federal program funds to State Affiliates. Jeana is a graduate of East Central University and enjoys traveling and outdoor activities. 

Dennis Novotny

Federal Program Accountant
dennis@nrwa.org

Dennis oversees State Association’s accounting to NRWA for all federal programs. Dennis also performs payroll and employee benefit coordination for NRWA and Atlantic States Rural Water & Wastewater Association.

Bill Simpson

Director of Legislative Affairs
bills@nrwa.org

Bill began his position with NRWA in 2008 with 19 years of experience in the legislative and executive branches of the government. Bill’s prior experience included serving on the Senate Appropriation Committee for over seven years with positions on the Full Committee and the Subcommittees on Transportation, HUD and Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies. Previous government experience also includes serving in several positions with two previous members of Congress and within the Mississippi Department of Agriculture.

Michael Preston

Legislative Analyst
preston@nrwa.org

Michael Preston is a legislative and policy analyst for NRWA and has worked with the Association for over a decade. Michael works within the Halls of Congress and at USDA, EPA and DOL to procure funding for rural and small community water and wastewater systems. He considers the NRWA membership the key to the success of the American economy and vital to public health protection.

Mike Keegan

Regulatory Analyst
keegan@nrwa.org

Mike Keegan started with NRWA Washington office in 1992 after working for various elected officials in Michigan and the U.S. House of Representatives. Mike works on appropriations, legislative, litigation, and regulatory issues under the direction and tutelage of Bill Simpson. Mike is committed to ensuring that the 1987 Bear Creek, Mississippi, 7 U.S.C. § 1926 ruling remains precedent.

Keith Heard

Washington Representative
keith@nrwa.org

Keith formerly served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He has served in executive roles with the National Cotton Council and the National Corn Growers Association. Over the years, he has represented organizations such as the Business Roundtable, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and other major industries. Keith has worked on every Farm Bill since 1979 and is considered an expert on all appropriation matters.