Ameerah Palacios, APR, director of engagement for STV’s water team, has earned appointments to multiple national leadership roles within the water industry, underscoring her expertise in strategic communications, customer experience and community trust‑building.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) reappointed Palacios to a full-term on its Public Affairs Council (PAC), which helps guide the association’s legislative, regulatory and public engagement priorities across the water sector. One of six councils overseen by AWWA’s Board of Directors, the PAC plays a key role in shaping policy agendas, educating members and stakeholders, integrating public affairs into utility management and communicating about the critical issues facing the water profession. Palacios previously served a one-year term on the PAC following a vacancy.
As part of her appointment, Palacios will lead the council’s Publications Committee, elevating and sharing innovative work from water utilities nationwide through key AWWA publications, including Opflow, Water Science and Journal AWWA.
“The Public Affairs Council provides insight into communications and public relations leadership within the water industry and represents the national forefront of trends setting the tone for utility public education, information and engagement programs,” Palacios said. “To be nominated and appointed is a great honor.”
Additionally, Rogue Water, a nonprofit communications and engagement studio that builds public trust in water, recently named Palacios to its 2026 Advisory Leadership Council. As part of her role, she will shape strategy and build partnerships in support of the organization’s mission to equip, inspire and empower the water sector to better engage with communities.
Through these national roles, she will guide organizational priorities, support cross‑sector collaboration and advance efforts to improve transparency, communication and public confidence in water systems nationwide.
At STV, Palacios works closely with water utilities and public agencies across the country on strategic communications, public engagement, crisis response and trust‑building initiatives.
Palacios previously collaborated with the AWWA Public Affairs Council as a strategist and co-author of the American Water Works Association’s Lead Communications Guide, providing utilities with tools to communicate effectively about lead and water quality. She currently serves as chair of the Customer Service Committee for the AWWA Kentucky/Tennessee Section, overseeing training programs that support frontline utility staff and customer service leaders.
