HdL Companies, in partnership with the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC), congratulates Salem Afeworki, Energy and Sustainability Services Division Manager at the City of Costa Mesa, as the 2025 recipient of the HdL + MMASC LGSI Stanford Scholarship.

The scholarship provides full tuition to attend the prestigious Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford University (LGSI Stanford), a highly regarded leadership program for local government professionals.

“Salem’s extraordinary leadership in sustainability and her unwavering commitment to public service exemplify the values we believe are essential to the future of local governance,” said Andy Nickerson, President and CEO of HdL Companies. “We’re honored to support her journey and proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape resilient, innovative communities.”

Ms. Afeworki brings a remarkable depth of experience to the scholarship, with a career that spans multiple sectors and institutions dedicated to environmental sustainability and public innovation. Her previous work includes roles at Burbank Water & Power, Los Angeles Metro, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and several global organizations committed to climate action and equity. She holds advanced degrees and graduate certifications from top universities across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.

The HdL + MMASC LGSI Stanford Scholarship was created to support emerging leaders in local government who demonstrate both a vision for the future and a commitment to public service. HdL’s sponsorship enables MMASC to expand access to high-impact learning opportunities for professionals shaping the next chapter of California communities.

“Partnerships like this are critical to building the bench strength of tomorrow’s city and county leadership,” added Nickerson. “It’s about more than a scholarship—this is a long-term investment in public impact.”

About HdL Companies

HdL Companies is dedicated to supporting local governments across the U.S. with revenue enhancement, technology and consulting services that enable cities, counties and special districts to better serve their communities. Founded in 1983, HdL Companies’ comprehensive approach to revenue management is trusted by more than 900 local governments nationwide. The company has successfully recovered more than $4 billion in revenue for client agencies. For more information, visit hdlcompanies.com.

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"We're honored to support her journey and proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape resilient, innovative communities," said Andy Nickerson, President and CEO of HdL Companies