Kevin L. Shafer became the Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) in 2002. As Executive Director, he is responsible for the overall management, administration, leadership, and direction of MMSD. Under Shafer’s leadership, MMSD instituted a regional stormwater runoff rule and has been a leader for innovative ways to manage stormwater runoff.
Additionally, Shafer has led the implementation of a $300 million flood management program that has highlighted natural infrastructure. Projects include the integration of stormwater features into Valley Park and Hart Park; the creation of the County Grounds ninety-acre flood management facility that provides recreational enhancements and mimics wetland habitats; implementation of a regional green infrastructure program; the naturalization of Lincoln Creek; and the removal of concrete channels throughout the region’s waterways.
Shafer’s regional leadership was recognized through the MMSD’s receipt of the U. S. Water Alliance’s 2012 U.S. Water Prize and through the receipt of the 2015 Utility of the Future award. Shafer served as the President of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) in 2009 and currently he is the Co-Chair of the Water Research Foundation and of the U.S. Water Alliance.
Shafer received a Bachelor’s degree in science and civil engineering with a specialty in water resources from the University of Illinois and a Master’s in civil engineering from the University of Texas. His professional recognition also includes the Gathering Waters Policymaker of the Year Award (2016), The Milwaukee River District’s Daniel H. Burnham Visionary Award (2013), The University of Wisconsin’s LaFollette School of Public Affairs, Lloyd D. Gladfelter Award (2012), and other awards for excellence and public service.
