Join us for a dynamic forum hosted by the University of Delaware’s Center for Clean Hydrogen exploring the essential practices, innovations, and tools that ensure the responsible, sustainable use of water from the Delaware River Basin.

This conference will investigate the story of what happens to water once it is withdrawn: how it powers industries, enables vital services, and supports the production of goods that sustain the region and reach far beyond.

Together, we’ll tackle the pressing question of how to ensure the Basin’s resilience and prosperity, while fostering enhanced cooperation and integration among water users, researchers, and policymakers working toward a sustainable future. The program will highlight cross-sector strategies to strengthen our region’s water infrastructure and workforce, and foster opportunities for meaningful networking and partnership.

Value of Water Co-Chairs

Water is more than a resource — it’s a cornerstone of economic stability, social well-being, and environmental health. Properly valuing water informs smarter public and private decisions around management, pricing and investment. Tackling the growing water crisis will require science-based decision making, aligned incentives, and effective implementation. Join us for the conversation.

Full Agenda and timing of the day below highlights.  

Critical Services & Infrastructure: The Water Energy Nexus

The Northeast’s energy infrastructure is undergoing rapid transformation, with significant implications for regional water resources. This panel examines the technical and operational challenges at the water-energy nexus, particularly as data centers and other energy-intensive facilities expand across the Delaware River Basin and surrounding states.

Moderated by Dan Kennedy, CEO NAIOP New Jersey

Speakers:

• Jessica Hartley, Vicinity Energy – Discover innovative approaches to heating and cooling technology and water use optimization in district energy systems
• Richard Coaxum, Constellation – Learn about cutting-edge water resource planning tools developed in partnership with Argonne National Lab
• Rachel Hanson, AECOM – Gain perspective on building sustainability and resilience into data center design

Richard Coaxum, Constellation         Rachel Hanson, AECOM

Keynote Address Kurt Foreman, Executive Director, Delaware Prosperity Partnership on Water infrastructure’s role in Delaware’s economic future

Water Availability & Accessibility in the Delaware River Basin
Session Description: Managing and sharing water in an era of increased floods and droughts. Moderator: Ginney Eisenbrey, Artesian Water

• Kristen Bowman Kavanagh, PE Executive Director DRBC
• David Kovach, Manager Project Review DRBC

A Conversation with Veolia’s Larry Finnicum about Building in Resilience 
Larry Finnicum, Regional President, Municipal Water & Mid-Atlantic Operations, Veolia North America
Moderator: Marc Gold

Discussion on strategies for assessing and mitigating climate change impacts and water quality risks, with insights on serving Delaware’s diverse water users.

Lightning Talk: The Importance of Maritime Trade to Our Region
The latest analysis and insights into the vital role and potential of maritime trade for our region’s economy and supply chains.

Troy Mix, The University of Delaware Biden School of Public Policy & Administration

Veolia PFAS Treatment Plant Tour – Canceled 
Join a guided tour of one of the largest PFAS treatment plants in the country.

Center for Clean Hydrogen Open House
See the lab and meet the scientists and students driving clean energy innovation.

Water as Economic Engine: The Value of H2O
Water sustains our communities and economy—from essential products to critical industrial processes. This panel brings together experts and innovators from multiple sectors to share insights on water’s critical role in creating products that power our regional economy and reach markets nationwide.

Panelists:

• Martin Deetz, DuPont Water Solutions – Manufacturing perspective on water treatment technologies and industrial applications
• Mike Contreras, Director of Sales & Marketing, 2SP Brewers – How craft brewing relies on water quality and sustainable practices to create distinctive products
• Herman C. Mihalich, Founder and Distiller, Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey – The art and science of water in spirits production, from grain to glass
• Amanda Katzoff, Lead Environmental Engineer & Einar Peters, Environmental & Sustainability Manager, Kimberly-Clark – Corporate sustainability and water stewardship in large-scale manufacturing operations

Pictured below: Amanda Katzoff, Kimberly-Clark; Martin Deetz, DuPont; Herman Mihalich, Dad’s Hat Whiskey; Chris Curran, AECOM

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Platinum Annual Sponsors 

Annual Gold Sponsor                           Gold Sponsor          

Annual Silver Sponsors 

Thank you to our event host, the Center for Clean Hydrogen at The University of Delaware!

The Value of Water Technical Conference Agenda

October 15, 2025 | STAR Campus, University of Delaware

Hosted by the University of Delaware Center for Clean Hydrogen

Event Co-Chairs: Jessica Hartley (Vicinity Energy) & Virginia Eisenbrey (Artesian Water)

Morning Program

8:45 – 9:30 AM | Welcome & Networking

• Registration, coffee & light breakfast
• Interactive Activity: Mapping Our Shared Water Resources

9:30 – 9:45 AM | Opening Ceremony

• Welcome remarks from Jennifer Garigliano, WRA Board President & Executive Director, NYC DEP
• Co-chairs welcome and conference overview

9:45 – 10:30 AM | Foundational Session Water Availability & Accessibility in the Delaware River Basin

• Moderator: Virginia Eisenbrey, Artesian Water
• Speakers: Kristen Kavanagh & David Kovach, Delaware River Basin Commission

10:30 – 11:30 AM | Session I: Critical Infrastructure Water-Energy Nexus: Infrastructure Challenges & Solutions

• Moderator: Dan Kennedy, CEO, NAIOP New Jersey
• Panelists: Jessica Hartley (Vicinity Energy), Richard Coaxum (Constellation), Rachel Hanson (AECOM)

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Technical Tour & Lunch

Center for Clean Hydrogen Lab Open House

• Tour cutting-edge research facility

Afternoon Program

1:00 – 1:30 PM | Keynote Address Kurt Foreman, Executive Director, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

• Water infrastructure’s role in Delaware’s economic future

1:30 – 2:50 PM | Session II: Economic Impact Water as Economic Engine: The Value of H2O

• Moderator: Chris Curran, AECOM
• Panelists: Martin Deetz (DuPont Water Solutions), Mike Contreras (2SP Brewers), Herman C. Mihalich (Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey), Amanda Katzoff & Einar Peters (Kimberly-Clark)

2:50 – 3:10 PM | Lightning Talk Maritime Trade: Economic Engine of the Region

• Speaker: Troy Mix, University of Delaware Biden School of Public Policy & Administration

3:10 – 3:50 PM | Session III: Leadership Perspectives Climate Resilience & Water Quality Leadership

• Featured Guest: Larry Finnicum, Regional President, Veolia North America
• Moderator: Marc Gold

3:50 – 4:20 PM | Awards Ceremony 2025 Innovation & Collaboration Awards Presentation

4:20 – 4:30 PM | Conference Conclusion

• Closing remarks and call to action

4:40 – 6:00 PM | Reception in Honor of Our Awardees

• Celebrating our Innovation & Collaboration Award recipients