Heather Somers serves as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Rural Water Association, where she leads a team of professionals dedicated to strengthening the water and wastewater systems that keep North Carolina’s communities running. Under her leadership, NCRWA supports hundreds of rural systems through technical assistance, training, workforce development, and on‑the‑ground problem‑solving. With 13 years in the industry—including hands‑on experience at the local utility level—she brings a unique blend of operational understanding and deep respect for the people who do this work every day.  Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management along with Surface Water and Distribution certifications in North Carolina. Heather loves small town diners, a good game of mahjong, and drinking water from the tap.