Athena "Thea" Tipaldos is the former president of the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA), and with that election, she became the third woman to serve in this capacity. Athena's journey within FWPCOA spans over two decades, dating back to 1999 when she became an active member. Eventually, she was elected the Region 11 director, and she then became the state’s secretary-treasurer-elect before being elected vice-president in January 2020. In addition to her involvement in FWPCOA, Athena is a member of several other industry organizations, including president of the Florida Industrial Pretreatment Association, International Code Council, American Water Works Association, and National Stormwater Center. Athena is currently serving as the assistant stormwater division manager for the City of Orlando, where she oversees a myriad of responsibilities crucial to maintaining water quality and stormwater infrastructure across the city. Her previous role as the city's wastewater compliance program manager, coupled with her Class C wastewater operator license, reflects her extensive experience and expertise in the field.