The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has selected Maile Lono-Batura as director of sustainable biosolids programs, a new position established to help WEF members and the water sector advance the beneficial use of biosolids.
“Biosolids are a central product of the wastewater treatment process, a vital part of resource recovery and circular economy, and beneficial for communities in many ways,” said WEF President Lynn Broaddus. “WEF is increasing our investment in biosolids programs and is thrilled to add Maile’s expertise and experience to our team.”
In the director position, Lono-Batura will serve as WEF’s lead for all biosolids activities. In doing so, she will act as a central coordinator on national biosolids issues for the organization’s members and the larger water sector.
Lono-Batura will also communicate with stakeholders outside the wastewater and biosolids profession, including agriculture, environmental, and climate change groups, as well as the media.
In addition to this, she will assist utilities and regional groups facing challenges to their biosolids programs and advance research relating to biosolids safety and efficacy, with a focus on the myriad benefits of biosolids use.
“Evidenced in the success of the regional associations, I’ve witnessed first-hand the power of the biosolids network and how essential it is to identify and collaborate with stakeholders to forward initiatives,” said Lono-Batura. “It’s exciting to step into this new role to align and galvanize resources to bolster our collective biosolids voice nationally and boost our biosolids network signal.”
Lono-Batura previously served as the executive director of Northwest Biosolids. She has dedicated her career to unearthing sustainable solutions for biosolids and helping to lead the organization to leverage over $3 million in research funding.
Lono-Batura earned her Bachelor in Community and Environmental Planning with a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. She received her Master of Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University.
