Leadership Insights with Cathy Bernardino Bailey, CEAS ’90, A&S ’91

Cathy Bernardino Bailey, CEAS ’90, A&S ’91, Executive Director, Greater Cincinnati Water Works

Cathy Bernardino Bailey is the first woman and African American to lead Greater Cincinnati Water Works. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati before starting her career in water research at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She then transitioned to Greater Cincinnati Water Works, where she has worked for 31 years, becoming Executive Director in 2015.

Greater Cincinnati Water Works provides drinking water and stormwater services to more than 1.1 million customers in the region and is nationally known for its lead service line replacement program. Cathy is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, sharing her expertise on strategic planning, employee engagement, workforce diversity, and continuous improvement. She is a board member for several water industry organizations, including the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies and the U.S. Water Alliance. Baliey is a 2023 National Academy of Public Administration Fellow.

Cathy’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2021 AWWA Individual Diversity and Inclusion Award and the 2021 STEMmys Applied Scientist of the Year Award. In 2018, she was recognized as one the Greater Cincinnati YWCA’s Career Women of Achievement, and one of the Cincinnati Venue Magazine’s Women of Influence.

Cathy is also active in her local community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Woman’s City Club, and as a board member of Best Point (The Children's Home). Outside of work, Cathy enjoys baking, collage art, sewing, volunteering, and traveling with family and friends.

Tracie Williams, A&S ’12, Business Administrator – Pulmonary, Critical Care, & Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati

Tracie Williams is a seasoned professional with a passion for organizational leadership and innovation in healthcare and education. She began her academic journey at the University of Cincinnati where she earned her undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership. Tracie's affiliation with her alma mater didn't end with graduation. She has continued to contribute actively as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Board, enabling her to leverage her expertise to benefit current and future students.

With over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, Tracie is a Business Administrator at the UC College of Medicine in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of critical medical services.