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NE/SAE Awards Honorary Membership to Ray Raposa, CAE

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Ray Raposa seemed an unlikely hire for the executive director of the New England Water Works Association back in 1986. He was the director of three junior college branch campuses and had no background in water, but the board latched onto his education skills. They also saw in him the potential to attract new members and bridge the gulf between young professionals and traditionalists who wanted to keep the status quo.  
 
Ray went on to become the longest-serving Section executive director in the American Water Works Association’s history.
 
Just some of Ray’s accomplishments included:
  • Developing the annual Spring Conference and Exhibition in Worcester, Mass., that grew from 500 attendees to more than 3,000. 
  • Expanding and moving offices to accommodate increased interest in many new programs and training that Ray and his staff implemented.
  • Growing the membership of the New England Water Works Association from 1,336 to 2,596. 
  • Increasing staff size from three to 13.
"He had visions, but he didn’t jam them on people," said John Sullivan, chief engineer for the Boston Water & Sewer Commission and a former NEWWA President. 
 
Ray also understood sweat equity. The first to arrive in the morning, the last to leave at night, Ray labored on countless projects for the association.
 
He knows exactly when things need to happen, said Kirsten King, the NEWWA’s communications director. "With officers, he will say, "Alright, Mr. President, here’s what you need to do to make sure this happens by this date.’ After 30 years, he knows the schedule like the back of his hand." He keeps the trains running. 
 
"I much prefer, especially if I’m working with the volunteers, that they step up and take the lead role," Ray said. "It should be the objective of the organization to bring everyone along, to bring the volunteers to the growth experience."
  
Not only a capable leader, but Ray has been a passionate advocate for water professionals, NE/SAE and his staff. Ray served on NE/SAE’s board and was chairman of the board in 2004-2005.

Ray is a behind-the scenes guy who never seeks the glory for himself. In fact, they say, he has a way of coming up with an idea, presenting it, and sitting back while everyone else debates its merits. In the end, the idea is implemented and everyone thinks it was his or her own, and that’s just fine with Ray.

In addition, Ray has a real knack for identifying and hiring really great people. NE/SAE Executive Director Pam McKenna always marveled at Ray’s talent for employing some of the best association staff in the industry - all very professional, positive, smart, eager to learn, dedicated to their association and CEO, and like Ray, passionate about NE/SAE. Ray’s staff developed a deep camaraderie, anchored by his approachable and upbeat nature. 

Ted Kenney is the assistant director Ray hired in 1988 to help manage the New England Water Works Association. "Ted says: I’ve been married to my wife for 41 years, but I’ve probably spent more time with Ray in 28. I knew early on in the interview that Ray’s level of commitment was singular, and that got me doing what I needed to do."  

Fourteen years ago, Ted was diagnosed with cancer. When Ted returned to work, Ray would walk him out of his office and to his car at the end of the day. Then he’d call Ted to make sure he made it home alright."

He’s rarely down, says Kirsten King, New England Water Works’ communications director. Even during hard times at the association. His voicemail greeting and emails end with "Make it a great day!"

In a blink, Ray’s career passed. He was 33 that first day; now he’s 63. Ray retired at the end of April. He and his wife, Dorri, will live in rural Maine, where Ray will cook, pursue his passion for photography, and retreat to his wine cellar. 

"New England was lucky to have him," Sullivan said. "Very lucky."

Indeed we were. Congratulations to Ray Raposa, CAE, on a lifetime of outstanding association accomplishments and on being awarded an honorary membership in the New England Society of Association Executives. 
 

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