OCWA is pleased to announce that Iman Hashemi has been appointed President & CEO of the Agency, effective November 27. Iman replaces Terry Bender, who served as Interim President & CEO during this time.

Iman joined OCWA in 2011 as the Process and Energy Optimization Specialist where he worked closely with front line and management staff in developing new business opportunities and successfully led the commissioning of new facilities and the optimization of many of the process units in the water treatment system. Since then, Iman has led trials of innovative technologies in treatment facilities, managed large budgets for clients and implemented advanced facility maintenance programs.

As Vice President Innovation & Infrastructure Solutions, Iman has brought his experience to support provincial priorities and leading the Agency’s team with Project Planning and Delivery, Innovations, Process Optimization and Technical Services, Asset Management, and the Wastewater Surveillance program. These areas are instrumental in helping to grow our business and in supporting the needs of the communities that we serve.

“We are confident that OCWA will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of all its clients and stakeholders under Iman’s leadership,” said Joe Pennachetti, Chair, OCWA Board of Directors. “We look forward to working with him in helping implement OCWA’s strategic directions and successfully lead the Agency into the future. On behalf of the entire Board, congratulations on this appointment.” OCWA would like to sincerely thank Terry Bender for his assistance during this period and we wish him all the best. He will be working to assist Iman for a smooth CEO transition.

Today marks OCWA’s 30th anniversary. We are proud to be a respected leader in the water industry and a trusted partner to municipalities, First Nations communities and other organizations across the province.

Thank you to our clients and communities we serve for your valued partnership.

Thank you to our talented and hard-working employees for their commitment and dedication. Here’s to 30 more years!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), we are pleased to announce that Terry Bender has been appointed Interim President & CEO of the Agency, effective June 24. Terry will be replacing Alicia Fraser as she leaves OCWA to pursue a new opportunity outside of the Province. Currently Vice-President, Operations, Terry joined OCWA at its inception in 1993 and has been with the Ontario Public Service for more than 30 years. Before being named VP of Operations in 2016, he held many challenging positions with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation & Parks and OCWA, including Operations Manager, Capital Works Manager, General Manager and Regional Hub Manager. Terry is a licensed master electrician, licensed well technician and contractor, and holds class 4 certification in water treatment and distribution, as well as a class 3 in wastewater treatment and collection. Terry is a member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians & Technologists. 

With his strong technical and management expertise, we are confident Terry will continue to lead our Agency as a world-class water and wastewater service provider to our partner communities across Ontario. Recruitment for a permanent President & CEO is underway. Until that time, we welcome Terry to his new role within the OCWA family.

We would also like to wish Alicia all the best in her future endeavours and sincerely thank her for her time and contributions to the Agency.

– Joseph Pennachetti, Chair, OCWA Board of Directors

Today, March 22, marks an important day for OCWA. It’s World Water Day!

On this day we reflect onwhat water means to people, its true value and how we can better protect this vital resource.

At OCWA, we are also taking a moment to recognize the important work of our employees – and all those around the world – who provide safe drinking water to communities and help protect the environment.

Join us in raising a glass to all the great water ambassadors and for the work they do every day to help build healthy, sustainable communities!