New Jersey's Commissioner Holden to Head NARUC's Committee on Water

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For Immediate Release: October 21, 2016
Contact: Regina L. Davis, 202-898-9382, rdavis@naruc.org

WASHINGTON—National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President Travis Kavulla of Montana has appointed Commissioner Mary-Anna Holden of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities as chair of the Association’s Committee on Water.

The Committee on Water aims to increase awareness and understanding about the issues surrounding uses and reuses of water and wastewater. Through policy resolutions, panel discussions, and participation in high-level events, the Committee works closely with several agency and stakeholder groups, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Water Companies and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.

Commissioner Holden was confirmed as a member of the Board of Public Utilities in 2012. Prior to her nomination, she served as mayor of the borough of Madison, N.J., for four years and Councilwoman for 10 years. At NARUC, she served previously as co-vice chair of the Committee on Water and is a member of the Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues–Waste Disposal. Commissioner Holden also serves as President of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. Additionally, she is an advisory board member of the University of Missouri’s Financial Research Institute and a member of the New Jersey Clean Water Council. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of New Rochelle and a master’s degree in Humanities-American Art and Architecture from Manhattanville College.

“I am eager to tackle the inter-related issues surrounding public health, energy, water and wastewater nationally, said Commissioner Holden. “I intend to build on the Water Committee’s already ambitious agenda encompassing contaminants, drought relief, water reuse and best asset management practices for this most critical piece of U.S. infrastructure.”

"State utility commissioners are the primary economic regulators of water utilities in the United States, and NARUC has been a leader in establishing the best practices that guide the oversight of this industry. Commissioner Holden is a dedicated leader who will make sure those regulatory practices are keeping up with customers' need for the delivery of safe, affordable water to their homes," said President Kavulla.

NARUC’s eight standing committees propose resolutions that, if approved by the Board of Directors, set Association policy on congressional, federal, and industry matters. The committees, populated by state public service commissioners, also hold educational sessions and panel discussions on relevant issues to best serve NARUC members. Committee chairs are appointed by the NARUC President for a one-year term and may be reappointed for a maximum of three consecutive terms.