ALBUQUERQUE, JAN. 23—Katherine Yuhas, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority’s Water Conservation Officer, is among 25 New Mexicans to be honored as “Women of Influence”  by the New Mexico Business Weekly.

Yuhas, who has worked at the Water Authority since 2002, was chosen from 135 nominees by a panel of judges based on her leadership, professional achievement and community involvement.

Rachel Sams, associate editor of the Business Weekly, explained that this year’s competition attracted more nominations than ever before – a 30 percent increase over last year. 

“All of our 135 applicants have accomplished amazing things and have many more in store,” she said in a statement.  “Reading their stories in their own words was amazing.  They spoke with incredible frankness about the events that shaped them – from a mentor’s belief in their talent to facing a serious illness or tragedy.”

John Stomp, the Water Authority’s Chief Operations Officer, said the Women of Influence recognition is well-deserved.

“The conservation programs that Katherine designs and administers affect everyone in this community, not to mention future generations,” he said.  “We should all be proud to have her working with us here.”

Before joining the Water Authority, Yuhas was a hydrologist with Santa Fe County.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in geology/environmental studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of Water Conservation Professionals.  In addition, she is president of the Friends for the Public Library, a nonprofit organization raising funds in support of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library System.