Matt’s leadership extends beyond project work. He serves as Vice Chair for the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Florida Water Markets Committee, Co-Chair of the Publication Subcommittee for the Water Collaborative Delivery Association (WCDA), and contributes to the National Best Practices Committee for both WCDA and DBIA. He is also a co-author of the upcoming AWWA M47 Manual on Capital Project Delivery, set for release in 2026.
Matt sat down with us to talk about the Florida Section AWWA Fall Conference and current issues facing Florida utllities.
Q: Why are you excited to attend the Florida Section AWWA Fall Conference?
Matt: The FSAWWA Fall Conference is always a highlight of the season. It’s perfectly timed—nestled between the holidays—giving us a chance to reconnect, reflect on the past year, and learn from peers across the state. We’ll hear about current challenges, innovative solutions, and plans for the future.
For Kennedy Jenks (KJ), this event is especially meaningful. We’re relatively new to Florida, so it’s a great opportunity to introduce our team and showcase our local and national expertise. And of course, we’re looking forward to the legendary BBQ—it’s a “can’t miss” part of the conference!
Q: Is there a specific technical issue you’re hoping to address this year?
Matt: Absolutely. One of the biggest topics is PFAS management. Florida is still determining its approach, and KJ is at the forefront of PFAS design. Unlike many competitors who are still in testing phases, we have real-world experience with operating treatment facilities.
Our national Emerging Contaminants Lead, Charlie Liu, will be presenting on PFAS issues relevant to Florida’s water supply. This is a chance to share proven strategies and help utilities prepare for what’s ahead.
Q: What challenges are you seeing for KJ’s Florida clients?
Matt: Growth remains the dominant challenge. While it has slowed slightly since the early 2020s, Florida’s population continues to expand—and with growth comes strained infrastructure.
To keep pace, many clients are turning to collaborative delivery methods to accelerate schedules and ensure cost certainty. In fast-growing regions, speed and efficiency are critical, but quality can’t be compromised. That’s where our expertise in collaborative delivery really makes a difference.
Q: Beyond growth, what other pain points are utilities facing?
Matt: Resilience is a major concern. Florida has seen an uptick in storm intensity, which puts additional stress on aging infrastructure. Some systems operate with very low tolerances, making them vulnerable to disruptions.
Fortunately, this year brought fewer storms, giving utilities time to strengthen preparedness. At FSAWWA, we’re eager to hear how utilities are tackling resilience and explore ways we can support long-term improvements.
Q: What will you be sharing at the conference?
Matt: I’ll be speaking on capital project delivery and previewing the upcoming 3rd edition of AWWA’s M47 Manual, scheduled for release in 2026. The last edition came out in 2010, so this update reflects significant changes in best practices for utility managers and engineers. It’s an exciting opportunity to share insights that will shape the next decade of project delivery.
Looking Ahead
Matt’s passion for innovation and collaboration is helping Florida utilities navigate growth, resilience, and emerging challenges like PFAS. If you’re attending the FSAWWA Fall Conference, be sure to connect with Matt and the Kennedy Jenks team!
About Kennedy Jenks
Kennedy Jenks is a leading water and environmental engineering and environmental sciences firm that serves public agencies and private-sector clients with over 500 employees nationwide. The employee-owned firm delivers innovative design, construction, and technology solutions for water and environmental projects across the United States.
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