GLWA CFO Nicolette Bateson Honored by Crain’s Detroit Business

Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer, Nicolette N. Bateson has been named one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Women in Finance for 2018.

“Nickie’s capacity goes well beyond the boundaries of her day-to-day operating assignments and perhaps well beyond what most of us would consider humanly possible,” said Sue McCormick, CEO, GLWA. “However, I think it is well known by those who have worked with Nickie, that it is not external forces that drive her, but rather her internal desire to make each organization she touches exemplary.”

Formerly serving as the CFO to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), Nicolette was instrumental in the formation of GLWA from 2015 until its stand-up in January 2016. Since that time, Nickie has been responsible for the fiscal health of Michigan’s largest water provider, ensuring that the organization is financially stable and fiscally equipped to be a strong steward of public and environmental health.

Under Nickie’s strategic leadership, GLWA received the 2016 Midwest Deal of the Year Award from Bond Buyer Magazine. The award was a result of GLWA’s $1.3 billion inaugural bond sale, unlocking significant debt service savings for member partners. The deal, spearheaded by Nickie, reflected savings of more than $20 million in operating costs during 2016, and more than $309 million in savings over the life of the refinanced bonds.

Nickie currently manages a team of 110 employees across the organization. In addition to serving as a mentor to employees under her leadership, she is a founding member of the new workforce development organization, Detroit Rising. She is also a sitting member of Eastern Michigan University Masters of Public Administration Advisory Board, and the World Water-Tech North America Advisory Board.