Meet the people behind RWAAZ!

OFFICE MANAGER

c.garcia@rwaaz.org 480-982-0301

WATER CIRCUIT RIDER

m.uresti-sims@rwaaz.org 928-408-2790

Melissa has over 24 years of experience in the water industry. Melissa embarked on her career journey in 1999 at Arizona Western College, where she attended David H. Paul trade classes and earned certifications in advanced water treatment 1 and 2. Throughout her career, Melissa has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which she is eager to share with rural systems across Arizona. The Circuit Rider program, spearheaded by Melissa, is dedicated to assisting systems with populations of 10,000 or less, with a special emphasis on small systems facing resource limitations. Melissa's primary objective is to provide onsite technical assistance covering operations and maintenance, water treatment, regulatory compliance, security, emergency disaster assistance, and loan applications.

WATER CIRCUIT RIDER

r.molina@rwaaz.org 520-305-8943

Ron Molina brings over three decades of experience in water and wastewater operations, earning ADEQ certification in wastewater since 1992. Holding multiple certifications, including Wastewater Grade 4, Wastewater Collections Grade 2, Water Treatment Grade 3, Water Distribution Grade 2, and WQA Grade 1, Ron has developed a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Throughout his career, Ron has designed, installed, and repaired potable water systems for industries such as Motorola, Coca-Cola, Badger Meter, and Wieser Lock, utilizing advanced technologies like multimedia filtration, ionic resins, reverse osmosis, UV treatment, and ozone. His expertise extends to operating reclaimed wastewater facilities with capacities ranging from 0.5 MGD to 50 MGD.

As a SCADA operator, Ron managed seven wastewater facilities and 14 lift stations, overseeing command and control operations. He has experience dispatching emergency responders, generating work orders, and preparing detailed daily and monthly reports. Ron’s diverse skill set allows him to support all facets of water and wastewater operations, ensuring efficiency and reliability for the systems he oversees.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION SPECIALIST d.smith@rwaaz.org 480-440-3830

Deianeir has a grade level 1 certification in Wastewater Treatment and Collections as well as a grade level 2 certification in Water Distribution and Treatment. In addition to her technical expertise, she has also earned credentials as an authorized OSHA 10 hour and 30 hour trainer and is certified in Utility management. As the Source Water Protection Specialist for RWAAZ since December 2019, Deianeir is deeply committed to serving her community and continuously expanding her knowledge and skillset. Her passion for learning is evident in her dedication to exploring new ideas and approaches that can contribute to making her community a better place. Outside of work, Deianeir enjoys hiking and discovering the natural wonders of this great nation.

EPA TRAINING SPECIALIST
E.mendez@rwaaz.org 928-304-0237

Edmundo provides technical assistance on how to solve basic operations and compliance issues encountered by operators and managers in the water and wastewater industry. He joined the Association in 2009. Edmundo received the designation of Certified Public Manager from the Arizona State University and He received Utility Management Certification under the Utility Management Institute Program from the University of the Incarnate Word. Edmundo also was awarded National Utility Management Certification and Finance Management Certification from Water University. He holds Arizona Grade IV water treatment plant operator/distribution system operator and Grade IV wastewater treatment plant operator/collection system operator. Edmundo also has a Master of Education degree in Counseling: Human Relations from the Northern Arizona University. His undergraduate degree is Bachelor of Arts in Liberal studies, Business Administration. Edmundo has a K-12 Substitute Teacher Certificate from the Arizona Department of Education.

USDA DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER SPECIALIST

h.cornejo@rwaaz.org 623-986-5809

Henry Cornejo is a certified wastewater treatment operator with over 20 years of experience. Originally from California, Henry started his career in 2002 with the City of Holtville as an operator in training where he worked as a water operator, wastewater operator, distribution and collections operator. He then moved to Arizona in 2004 where he continued his career specializing in Wastewater Treatment. Henry currently holds certifications in Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Distribution and Collections. His experience has allowed him to work in many different treatment processes such as 4 and 5 Stage Bardenpho, Trickling Filters, Aerobic and Anaerobic Digesters, Sequential Batch Reactors and other conventional treatment processes. Henry joins RWAAZ as a Wastewater Specialist/Technician and utilizes his experience to assist small rural communities with wastewater treatment facilities. Henry enjoys restoring classic cars and is an avid collector of electric guitars

WASTEWATER SPECIALIST

Please reach out to info@rwaaz.org if you are interested in applying for either of these positions, or would like more information.

*Please note that there are two separate positions open.