Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, administration, finance, and systems coordination.

Focused on regional infrastructure, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority delivers essential water and sewer services to eastern and central Massachusetts while maintaining high standards for public health and environmental safety.

Leadership Roles at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

  • Chief Financial Officer - Thomas Durkin
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kathleen Murtagh
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - John Vetere
  • Executive Administrative Systems Coordinator To Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Gertrude Lartey
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Rebecca Weidman
  • President of Usw, 9358 - Lee Jensen
  • Chief of Staff - Katherine Ronan
  • Thomas Durkin - Chief Financial Officer

    Thomas Durkin, the Chief Financial Officer at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the organization. Durkin oversees the issuance of bonds and the management of debt portfolios required to fund massive infrastructure projects. By directing the annual budget process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures sufficient funding for water and sewer operations throughout the service area. Thomas Durkin monitors revenue streams and rate structures to maintain financial stability for the authority. This leadership role involves reporting to the Board on fiscal performance and risk management strategies. Through precise financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of utility services across eastern and central Massachusetts. Durkin implements rigorous internal controls to protect public funds and ensure transparency. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital resources necessary to sustain critical water infrastructure for the future.

    Kathleen Murtagh - Chief Operating Officer

    Kathleen Murtagh, the Chief Operating Officer at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, directs all daily utility operations across the service region. Murtagh manages the complex water distribution networks and wastewater treatment facilities that support millions of residents. By overseeing large-scale capital improvement projects, the Chief Operating Officer ensures the long-term reliability of critical infrastructure. Kathleen Murtagh coordinates with engineering teams to optimize system performance and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves balancing immediate maintenance needs with future capacity requirements for eastern and central Massachusetts. Through rigorous oversight of operational budgets and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the water supply. Murtagh drives efficiency by implementing advanced monitoring technologies across the entire utility network. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability required for consistent service delivery to all municipal customers.
    Kathleen Murtagh

    John Vetere - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    John Vetere, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, focuses on the maintenance and reliability of wastewater treatment systems. Vetere directs the technical teams responsible for the daily operation of major treatment plants and collection systems. By overseeing the mechanical integrity of these facilities, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer prevents service disruptions for the regional population. John Vetere coordinates with environmental compliance officers to ensure all discharge standards meet strict regulatory requirements. This role involves managing the technical staff and field crews tasked with emergency repairs and preventative maintenance. Through the implementation of asset management programs, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer extends the lifespan of critical infrastructure. Vetere drives operational improvements by integrating modern diagnostic tools into the maintenance workflow. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer ensures the continuous and safe processing of wastewater for the entire service region.

    Gertrude Lartey - Executive Administrative Systems Coordinator To Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Gertrude Lartey, the Executive Administrative Systems Coordinator To Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, manages the digital infrastructure and data systems supporting operational leadership. Lartey organizes the flow of technical information between field operations and executive management. By maintaining the integrity of administrative databases, the Executive Administrative Systems Coordinator To Deputy Chief Operating Officer ensures accurate reporting on utility performance. Gertrude Lartey coordinates the scheduling and documentation of critical infrastructure projects to keep teams aligned. This role involves optimizing the software tools used for tracking maintenance activities and resource usage. Through the systematic organization of operational data, the Executive Administrative Systems Coordinator To Deputy Chief Operating Officer supports informed decision-making for the leadership team. Lartey drives efficiency by streamlining the administrative processes that govern daily utility tasks. Ultimately, the Executive Administrative Systems Coordinator To Deputy Chief Operating Officer maintains the digital backbone of the operational department.

    Rebecca Weidman - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Rebecca Weidman, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, directs the water quality and distribution initiatives across the service area. Weidman oversees the laboratory testing and monitoring programs that guarantee safe drinking water for millions of residents. By managing the water supply reservoirs and treatment facilities, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent quality standards. Rebecca Weidman coordinates with municipal partners to address regional water needs and infrastructure upgrades. This role involves leading the scientific and technical teams responsible for water safety compliance. Through the application of rigorous testing protocols, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer mitigates risks to the public water supply. Weidman drives innovation in water treatment processes to address emerging environmental challenges. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer secures the safety and reliability of the water distribution network for all customers throughout the central and eastern regions.

    Lee Jensen - President of Usw, 9358

    Lee Jensen, the President of Usw, 9358 at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, represents the workforce engaged in critical utility operations. Jensen facilitates communication between labor groups and management to ensure safe and productive working conditions. By advocating for the needs of the operational staff, the President of Usw, 9358 supports the overall stability of the utility workforce. Lee Jensen participates in labor negotiations and policy discussions that impact daily operations and service delivery. This leadership role involves addressing workplace safety concerns and training requirements for technical personnel. Through the promotion of professional development, the President of Usw, 9358 enhances the skill sets of the employees maintaining the water and sewer systems. Jensen drives collaboration by fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect within the workforce. Ultimately, the President of Usw, 9358 ensures that the human capital required for utility operations remains engaged and effective.

    Katherine Ronan - Chief of Staff

    Katherine Ronan, the Chief of Staff at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, manages internal communications and executive workflows. Ronan aligns departmental objectives with the broader mission of providing reliable water and sewer services. By facilitating collaboration between the Board and senior leadership, the Chief of Staff ensures seamless execution of strategic initiatives. Katherine Ronan oversees administrative policy development to streamline organizational processes. This role involves managing high-level projects that impact regional service delivery and public engagement. Through careful coordination of executive priorities, the Chief of Staff maintains focus on long-term sustainability goals. Ronan monitors organizational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in administrative efficiency. By fostering clear communication channels, the Chief of Staff supports the overall effectiveness of the leadership team. Ultimately, Ronan drives the internal alignment necessary for the authority to meet its public service obligations across the Commonwealth.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Massachusetts Water Resources Authority?
    Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is led by Thomas Durkin (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kathleen Murtagh (Chief Operating Officer) and John Vetere (Deputy Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority includes leaders such as Thomas Durkin (Chief Financial Officer), Kathleen Murtagh (Chief Operating Officer), John Vetere (Deputy Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Massachusetts Water Resources Authority have?
    Massachusetts Water Resources Authority has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Executive Administrative Systems Coordinator To Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer.