Great Lakes Water Authority Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Great Lakes Water Authority has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and labor relations.

Committed to environmental safety and public health, Great Lakes Water Authority advances the secure collection and disposal of pharmaceutical waste through rigorous educational initiatives and specialized training programs across Michigan.

Leadership Roles at Great Lakes Water Authority

  • Chief Executive Officer - Suzanne Coffey
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - William Wolfson
  • Finance Management Professional & Chief Financial Officer, Services - Constance Delling
  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Nicolette Bateson
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Kim Garland
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cheryl Porter
  • President of Local Local 2920 - Juan Moore
  • Suzanne Coffey - Chief Executive Officer

    Suzanne Coffey, the Chief Executive Officer at Great Lakes Water Authority, directs the overarching strategic vision for regional water infrastructure and pharmaceutical waste mitigation. Coffey architects long-term sustainability goals while aligning organizational resources with the mission of protecting public health across the Great Lakes region. By coordinating with the Board and external stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence in water quality management. Suzanne Coffey maintains rigorous oversight of all administrative functions, driving efficiency in service delivery and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with municipal entities to expand the reach of safe disposal programs. Through consistent focus on infrastructure resilience, the Chief Executive Officer secures the integrity of water systems. Ultimately, Coffey stabilizes the organizational framework, ensuring that all strategic initiatives support the broader environmental objectives of the authority.

    William Wolfson - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    William Wolfson, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Great Lakes Water Authority, executes daily operational oversight and supports the strategic implementation of organizational policies. Wolfson manages cross-departmental workflows, ensuring that the technical and administrative teams remain synchronized with the core mission of pharmaceutical waste reduction. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer facilitates communication between executive leadership and internal departments to streamline project execution. William Wolfson monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement, driving operational agility across the Michigan service area. By managing complex logistical challenges, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer maintains the continuity of essential services. This role requires constant collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer to refine internal governance structures. Through diligent management of resources, Wolfson enhances the overall effectiveness of the organization, ensuring that every operational decision aligns with the long-term goals of the authority.

    Constance Delling - Finance Management Professional & Chief Financial Officer, Services

    Constance Delling, the Finance Management Professional & Chief Financial Officer, Services at Great Lakes Water Authority, directs the financial strategy for specialized service divisions. Delling manages budget allocations for educational programs and disposal training, ensuring that resources support the core mission of pharmaceutical waste mitigation. The Chief Financial Officer, Services monitors expenditure patterns to maximize the impact of every dollar spent on public health initiatives. Constance Delling collaborates with department heads to forecast financial needs and secure funding for critical service expansions. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer, Services maintains fiscal transparency and accountability across all service-oriented projects. This role involves analyzing cost-benefit ratios for new environmental programs to ensure long-term sustainability. Through precise financial planning, Delling supports the growth of the organization, enabling the successful execution of community-focused disposal training and educational outreach efforts.

    Nicolette Bateson - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Nicolette Bateson, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Great Lakes Water Authority, manages the capital structure and liquidity of the organization. Bateson oversees treasury operations, ensuring that cash flow remains sufficient to support large-scale infrastructure investments and ongoing environmental programs. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer directs the development of financial policies that govern debt management and investment strategies. Nicolette Bateson provides critical financial reporting to the Board, ensuring that all fiscal activities align with regulatory requirements and organizational goals. By managing the financial risk profile, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer protects the long-term solvency of the authority. This role involves coordinating with external auditors and financial institutions to maintain the creditworthiness of the organization. Through strategic financial oversight, Bateson ensures that the authority possesses the necessary capital to fulfill the mission of safe pharmaceutical disposal and water quality protection.
    Nicolette Bateson

    Kim Garland - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Kim Garland, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Great Lakes Water Authority, supports the financial planning and analysis functions of the organization. Garland manages the preparation of annual budgets and monitors monthly financial performance against established targets. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer assists in the development of financial models that evaluate the economic impact of new water treatment technologies. Kim Garland coordinates with the accounting team to ensure the accuracy of financial statements and the integrity of internal controls. By providing detailed analysis of operational costs, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer enables leadership to make data-driven decisions regarding resource allocation. This role involves streamlining financial reporting processes to increase efficiency and transparency. Through diligent monitoring of fiscal health, Garland supports the broader financial strategy, ensuring that the organization maintains the resources required to sustain its vital environmental and public health programs.

    Cheryl Porter - Chief Operating Officer

    Cheryl Porter, the Chief Operating Officer at Great Lakes Water Authority, manages the technical execution of water treatment and distribution systems. Porter oversees the maintenance of critical infrastructure, ensuring that all facilities operate at peak efficiency to support the safe disposal of unwanted drugs. The Chief Operating Officer directs field operations and technical staff, driving the implementation of advanced water quality protocols. Cheryl Porter coordinates with engineering teams to modernize systems, reducing environmental risks throughout the regional network. By optimizing daily workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery remains consistent and reliable for all communities. This leadership role involves managing large-scale capital projects that improve the durability of water infrastructure. Through rigorous attention to operational standards, Porter maintains the safety and efficacy of the entire system, directly contributing to the environmental health of the Great Lakes region.

    Juan Moore - President of Local Local 2920

    Juan Moore, the President of Local Local 2920 at Great Lakes Water Authority, represents the interests of the workforce while fostering a collaborative environment for operational success. Moore directs labor-management relations, ensuring that the staff remains aligned with the organizational mission of safe pharmaceutical disposal. The President of Local Local 2920 facilitates communication between employees and executive leadership to resolve workplace challenges and improve safety standards. Juan Moore advocates for professional development opportunities that enhance the technical skills of the workforce. By promoting a culture of accountability and excellence, the President of Local Local 2920 ensures that the team remains motivated to achieve the goals of the authority. This role involves negotiating agreements that support both the well-being of the staff and the operational efficiency of the organization. Through active engagement, Moore strengthens the internal foundation, enabling the authority to deliver consistent results.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Great Lakes Water Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Great Lakes Water Authority?
    Great Lakes Water Authority is led by Suzanne Coffey (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as William Wolfson (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Constance Delling (Finance Management Professional & Chief Financial Officer, Services).
    Who is part of Great Lakes Water Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Great Lakes Water Authority includes leaders such as Suzanne Coffey (Chief Executive Officer), William Wolfson (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Constance Delling (Finance Management Professional & Chief Financial Officer, Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Great Lakes Water Authority have?
    Great Lakes Water Authority has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Great Lakes Water Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Great Lakes Water Authority includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance Management Professional & Chief Financial Officer, Services, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer.