Sunday Pre-Conference | June 8, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Plan for uncertainty. Strengthen your lead service line replacement program. Register now!
This full-day interactive workshop at ACE25, targeted at executive leaders and decision-makers, will equip you with the tools to navigate uncertainty and build a resilient, forward-thinking lead service line replacement (LSLR) strategy. Through scenario planning exercises, expert-led discussions, and real-world problem-solving, you will develop practical solutions that you can apply directly to your utility’s program. Register now.
LSLR programs are complex, with many unknowns. How will shifting regulations and funding impact your program? How will you prioritize scarce dollars to maximize your ability to offer no-cost lead service replacements to those that need it most? How do you budget and plan with so many unknown service lines? And how will you communicate it all to the public? This workshop will help you lead your team to anticipate challenges, design flexible strategies, and ensure your program is sustainable and resilient.
What you’ll gain:
By attending, you will:
- Master scenario planning techniques to prepare for uncertainty in funding, regulations, and public participation.
- Enhance your ability to communicate priorities to stakeholders, including elected officials and the public.
- Identify and solve common LSLR challenges through hands-on, small-group exercises.
- Develop a response plan with other executive leaders in the industry that you can take back to your utility and put into action.
- Learn change management strategies to adapt your program to shifting regulations and funding.
- Network with peers and industry experts to exchange insights and best practices.
Meet your experts:
Sandy Kutzing, PE, PMP, CDM Smith: Sandy Kutzing has 23 years of experience in drinking water and is currently leading CDM’s Smith’s efforts in assisting water systems with changing LCR regulatory compliance, optimizing corrosion control treatment and establishing lead service line replacement programs across the United States.
Claire Baldwin, PhD, CDM Smith: Dr. Claire Baldwin, a specialist in organizational management with over 30 years of experience in the design and construction industry, excels in conflict resolution and emotional intelligence in public dialogue. Certified in facilitation and mediation, she has led significant initiatives such as the DC Water Lead-Free DC Initiative and the Connecticut State Water Plan. Her expertise in organizational redesign and stakeholder outreach has consistently driven successful outcomes in high-stakes projects.
William Elledge, PE, Assoc DBIA, DC Water: William Elledge has over 25 years of experience in water and sewer pipelines across multiple states. He specializes in strategic planning and execution to deliver safe, cost-effective water, sewer, and storm solutions.
Rebecca Slabaugh, PE, Arcadis: Rebecca Slabaugh brings 18 years of experience guiding water systems through the challenges of aging infrastructure, evolving regulations, and climate change to ensure water security and quality. She directs Arcadis's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) team and specializes in solutions that help utilities achieve LCRR compliance and remove lead service lines.
A successful LSLR program requires careful planning, proactive decision-making, and adaptability.
Sandy Kutzing, PE
Lead in Drinking Water Task Force Leader
CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy, and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world’s environmental and infrastructure challenges.