US WATER ALLIANCE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Climate Action Program Manager
Alex King is the Climate Action Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Alex helps manage projects and initiatives related to climate resilience, water equity, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in the water sector. Alex is passionate about pursuing interdisciplinary efforts to build more equitable, healthy, and resilient communities. Prior to joining the Alliance, she held positions at Seattle Public Utilities, the Community Transportation Association of America, Lyft, and the National Academy for State Health Policy. Her expertise includes developing multi-level policy solutions and building cross-sector partnerships with a particular emphasis on community-based solutions, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to environmental and social justice. Alex holds dual master's degrees in public health and urban planning from the University of Washington and a bachelor's in international studies and public health from American University. Outside of work, Alex enjoys listening to live music, hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and reading books by one of Seattle's many bodies of water.
Anna Yates is a Communications Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Anna manages the US Water Alliance's external communications. Previously, Anna worked with the National Park Service and the Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy, specifically on initiatives that addressed rising sea levels. Additionally, Anna's held communications positions at Make Music NOLA, a nonprofit that provides music education to New Orleans youth, and in Egypt at the American University in Cairo's Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability. Anna holds a BA in environmental studies and international development from Tulane University. Outside of work, Anna enjoys backpacking, seeing live music, and eating Popeye's on the New Orleans bayou.
Austin is a Senior Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. In this role, Austin assists with the Alliance's technical assistance and field-building work as part of its National Environmental Finance Center. Before joining the Alliance, Austin was an Associate Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Environmental Finance Center (UNC EFC). During her time at the UNC EFC, Austin led rates and finance-related technical assistance, applied research projects, and trainings for utility practitioners across the country. Prior to this, Austin pursued a PhD at NC State University, focusing her research on the connection between environmental finance and social equity. In addition to her PhD, Austin holds a BS in biological sciences from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. Outside of work, you will probably find Austin trail running, riding her bike, or playing copious rounds of fetch with her dog.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- General Manager / CEO, Prince William County Service Authority
Mr. Farr is the Prince William County Service Authority's (PWCSA) General Manager/CEO and leads an organization that serves more than 380,000 customers in a growing, diverse community in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. PWCSA is the largest combined water and wastewater utility in Virginia and is a nationally recognized model for performance excellence, sustainability, industry best practices, and environmental leadership. PWCSA's capital investments total $725 million over the next five years and operate within a $120 million annual budget. Mr. Farr has 27 years of public and private sector utility industry experience including water, wastewater, stormwater, and natural gas. Mr. Farr's previous general management and executive leadership roles were with the City of Richmond, VA, the City of Atlanta, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. He has led One Water initiatives to meet regulatory requirements while helping to address ratepayer affordability gaps, oversaw stormwater maintenance and gray and green infrastructure projects to minimize flooding, facilitated private lead service line replacements, led consent decree SSO/CSO program management teams, and strengthened water and wastewater maintenance and capital investments using asset management best practices. Mr. Farr holds an Executive Master's of Public Management from the University of Maryland, a Master's of Environmental Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University, and a BS in Civil Engineering from the Old Dominion University. Mr. Farr is also a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
Carrie Smith is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She serves as the technical lead for the Alliance's Equitable Infrastructure initiative. Carrie is passionate about furthering water equity and resilience by centering community-led solutions. She has six years of experience working with water utilities as a Water Resources Engineer at Arcadis, an environmental engineering consultancy. While at Arcadis, Carrie helped water utilities conduct long-term infrastructure planning efforts. In addition, she has worked as a Watershed Research Fellow at a Houston-based environmental justice nonprofit, Bayou City Waterkeeper, and as a graduate research assistant at the Southeast Texas Urban Integrated Field Laboratory in Beaumont, Texas. She earned her BS in civil engineering from the University of Florida and her MS in community and regional planning from the University of Texas. Outside of working hours, Carrie enjoys walking her dog, soaking up the Texas sun, and watching movies at the local arthouse theater.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water Works
Cathy Bernardino Bailey is the Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water Works and is the first woman and African American woman to lead the independent water utility since its formation over 205 years ago. Cathy leads 600 employees in providing drinking water and stormwater services to over 1.2 million customers in the region and is the leader behind Cincinnati's nationally recognized lead service line replacement program. Cathy has distinguished herself as a leader throughout her career, focusing on communications, strategic thinking, innovation, outreach, and teamwork to bring forward solutions that positively impact the community. Cathy has served in many capacities in the industry, including as the Policy Committee Chair, Environmental Justice Committee co-chair, and a board member for AMWA and the Water Research Foundation Treasurer. Known to many in the industry as the First Lady of Water (or FLOW), Cathy's knowledge, impact, and reach are great and because of her storytelling, drive, and goals to reduce lead in water. In 2022, Cathy was selected by the US Environmental Protection Agency for a temporary assignment as a Senior Advisor to assist with establishing the lead service line accelerator program to guide 40 communities in creating their replacement programs. Cathy holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati and has been with Greater Cincinnati Water Works for over 31 years.
Job Titles:
- Value of Water Campaign Director
Christy is the Value of Water Campaign Director for the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads a nationwide coalition that advocates for increased, sustainable water infrastructure funding. Before joining the Alliance, Christy served as Chief of Staff for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. As a member of the utility's executive team, Christy focused on policy development and execution, government relations, strategic planning, and innovative funding efforts across the water, wastewater, and drainage enterprises. Prior to joining the water industry, Christy was Director of Special Projects for the Business Council of New Orleans, where she focused on government-centric public policy development and advocacy. Before shifting to policy work, Christy practiced law for ten years, in both private and public roles. Christy graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a BS in journalism and received her JD, magna cum laude, from Tulane University. Christy is active in the New Orleans community, where she has held leadership roles on several local boards, is a member of the Louisiana Chapter of the International Women's Forum, and served as a member of Tulane Law School's adjunct faculty. Christy lives with her husband and three sons in New Orleans, where they enjoy supporting local restaurants and bookstores.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- CEO of the Soil
- CEO, Soil and Water Conservation Society
Clare Lindahl has served as CEO of the Soil and Water Conservation Society since August of 2017. The Society's mission is to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation. The Society and its membership have been advancing conservation through advocacy, special projects, a scientific journal, education, and events since 1943. Lindahl previously served as the Executive Director for Conservation Districts of Iowa and as Natural Resources Program Manager with River Action, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad Cities. She holds a degree in landscape architecture from Iowa State and received her post-baccalaureate certificate in environmental geographic systems from Western Illinois University.
Job Titles:
- Director of Climate Action
David Ponder is the Director of Climate Action at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. David leads efforts to address climate change, increase resilience, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the water sector. Prior to joining the Alliance, David worked for the Metropolitan Council, where he was responsible for managing sustainability initiatives such as greenhouse gas reporting, climate action planning, and ensuring infrastructure resilience while incorporating environmental justice considerations. David also worked as a Sustainability Consultant at Good Company, supporting decision-makers in the public and private sectors in improving sustainability outcomes. Earlier in his career, David worked as a grassroots organizer advocating for energy, environmental, and consumer issues. He is also the Chair of the Water Environment Federation's GHG Focus Group. David holds a Master's of Public Administration and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on sustainable development from Appalachian State University.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager for Training and Education
Elisabeth Wilder is the Program Manager for Training and Education at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads efforts aimed at broadening and deepening One Water knowledge and practice across the Alliance network and beyond. Prior to joining the Alliance, she conducted academic research and taught at Northeastern University in the areas of environmental health and justice, sustainability, and social movements. She is a co-founder of the American Sociological Association's Committee on Racial Equity in Environmental Sociology. Elisabeth began her career as a public school educator in Los Angeles, where she completed a postgraduate credentialing program focused on educational theory and curriculum design. She also holds an MA in Sociology from Portland State University and a BA in Political Science from Pennsylvania State University. In her free time, Elisabeth enjoys books, board games, beach days, camping, hiking, kayaking, and stargazing.
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Initiatives
Emily Simonson is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization building a sustainable water future for all. She is responsible for building, incubating, and leading initiatives that help advance multi-benefit, equitable policies and practices at the intersection of water, infrastructure, community, and social justice. Harnessing the power of diverse networks, Emily guides strategic engagement opportunities with and for the One Water Council, Water Equity Network, water and wastewater infrastructure technical assistance teams, policymakers, and others. Emily became passionate about equitable access to safe, reliable water and sanitation while working in Ghana for Global Brigades, a community development nonprofit. Emily also spent two years at the EPA as an ORISE Fellow with the Urban Waters Program, an environmental justice focused initiative to increase the government's ability to provide an integrated approach when working with communities to restore their waterways. After an internship with the United Nations in Switzerland, Emily graduated from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University with master's degrees in public administration and international relations. Off the clock, Emily serves on the Board of Directors for Youth Outlook, a northern-Illinois based nonprofit dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ young people. She will use any excuse to get outside with her dog and friends.
Erica DePalma is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Alliance's Equitable Water Future initiative. Erica is passionate about water equity and affordability. Prior to joining the Alliance, Erica worked at The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she supported the management of national and regional water programming and research. She worked closely and collaborated with partners from water utilities to community leaders to educators in order to develop and implement impactful solutions to urban water challenges. Erica graduated with an MS in applied geosciences with a focus in hydrology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BS in environmental science from Fordham University. In her spare time, Erica enjoys running, playing soccer, and simply being outside in nature.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Environmental Finance Center
Erin Riggs is the Director of the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Erin oversees the technical assistance and field-building processes for the Alliance's National EFC, which is working to expand and improve access to water sector funding for all communities regardless of size, system capacity, or previous receipt of funding. Before joining the Alliance, Erin was the Executive Director of the EFC at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In that role, Erin led UNC's EFC from being a longstanding traditional EFC focused predominantly on supporting communities with basic local government utility finance issues to one focused on helping underserved communities access Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for water infrastructure. Prior to this, Erin did advocacy-focused legal work for a consortium of the NC Riverkeepers concerned about water quality issues and impacts on vulnerable populations in NC. Erin holds a BA in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a JD from the University of Florida's Levin College of Law. Outside of work, you will find Erin running, playing guitar, or folding laundry for her crew of four children-Daisy, Bear, Stella, and Cedar.
Gabriel Evans is a Program Associate at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Gabriel provides comprehensive support to the Water Agency Leaders Alliance (WALA) as well as the US Water Alliance-working on affordability initiatives with WALA and workforce initiatives with both WALA and the Alliance. As a public sociologist, Gabriel is passionate about fostering equitable and sustainable communities. Gabriel holds a master's degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Arkansas, which equipped him with a deep understanding of social dynamics and community development. He is also a 2023 cohort member of the American Water Works Association's Transformative Water Leadership Academy. Beyond work, Gabriel nurtures his interests in fitness, health, film, and theatre. These passions reflect his commitment to holistic well-being and his appreciation for the arts as powerful mediums for storytelling and social impact.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
- Executive Director, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
Ghassan Korban is the Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). Prior to becoming the Executive Director of SWBNO in September of 2018, Ghassan Korban served the Department of Public Works in the City of Milwaukee for 31 years. During his last eight years, Ghassan served as the Commissioner of Public Works. As the Commissioner, he was responsible for four divisions: Milwaukee Water Works, Operations, Parking, and Infrastructure, which included transportation, sanitary, and storm water management. In his current role as Executive Director, he oversees the provision of clean drinking water, treatment of wastewater, and drainage operations for the city of New Orleans. His primary mission is to overhaul the agency's antiquated equipment and infrastructure, creating a modern utility capable of meeting the needs of its customers. Some of Mr. Korban's key accomplishments include the planning, design, and construction of the first modern streetcar system in the city of Milwaukee, and coordination of the construction of the entire infrastructure needed to support the new Milwaukee Bucks' basketball arena. Mr. Korban received a BSc in civil engineering and an MSc in construction management from Marquette University.
Job Titles:
- Administrative and Operations Associate
Isabella is an Administrative and Operations Associate at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. In this role, Isabella serves as assistant to the CEO and VP of Programs and Strategy, providing technical and logistical support, as well as assisting with the coordination of various activities, meetings, and conferences. Prior to joining the Alliance, Isabella worked as an executive assistant in the commercial real estate industry, providing administrative and operational support to a Miami-based development firm. Isabella graduated with a degree in Sociology and Hospitality Management, and outside of work enjoys visiting museums and learning about local artists, being outside in nature, and finding new plant-based restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer at Stantec
- Executive Vice President, Global Water Business, Stantec
John Take is the Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer at Stantec. John oversees the activities of Stantec's five business operating units with a focus on strategic growth initiatives and campaigns, client relationships and development, management and development of key accounts, and client service initiatives. He also serves as a member of Stantec's Disclosure Committee. Over the past 30 years, John has been involved in hundreds of One Water projects around the world in both the municipal and industrial sectors. John earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of New Brunswick and his master's in water resources engineering from the University of Alberta. In addition to his diverse and extensive Stantec portfolio and his role as a board member with the US Water Alliance, John is a member of and has been involved with professional organizations such as the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, the AZ Water Association, and the Water Environment Federation. John has an active commitment to community and volunteers on the Executive Leadership Council of Water For People, as well as multiple organizations focused on delivering education, training, and micro-loan-funded support of entrepreneurial business startups for the growing and thriving refugee and immigrant community in southern Arizona.
Kyla Peterson is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Alliance's Equitable Water Future initiative. Kyla is passionate about community engagement, justice and equity, and environmental access and recreation. Her people-focused approach to environmental work flourished through interning at the US House of Representatives, where she gained an in-depth understanding of nationwide water issues and the socio-economic factors that exacerbate/mediate them. Kyla also worked as a Team Lead at the Texas Water Development Board, managing their agricultural water conservation program and providing technical assistance to stakeholders and communities. Additionally, she interned with the Wilson Center, where she published research articles on pertinent environmental issues relating to water policy, global migration, and the water/food nexus. As a native Texan and an Austin resident, Kyla seizes the opportunity to be in nature whenever possible. Catch her paddling along the Colorado River or cooling off at Barton Springs in her free time!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells is the Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is a regional entity providing sanitary and stormwater management services to Cleveland and 61 suburban communities in Northeast Ohio. As CEO, Kyle oversees one of the largest clean water agencies in Ohio, a district that treats 90 billion gallons of water every year, thanks to the work of more than 750 employees. She works closely with seven trustees and nine directors managing hundreds of miles of sewer and stream networks, a multi-billion-dollar 25-year Project Clean Lake program, and a regional wet-weather strategy for the health of Lake Erie and more than one million residents. Kyle graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University with a bachelor of science degree in biology. She earned master's degrees with honors in both public affairs and environmental science at Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs and volunteered in Samoa for the Peace Corps. Before joining the District, she was Director of the Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Network and Development Manager
Laura Miller is the Network and Development Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Laura leads efforts to expand the Alliance network and enhance member experience. Laura joins the Alliance with experience in water, environmental, and climate advocacy with a strong emphasis on network building and engagement. She began her career leading policy initiatives at the state and federal level to secure additional water infrastructure funding, robust conservation programs, and equity throughout all policy decisions. In her previous role, Laura helped manage a network of Fortune 500 companies at sustainability nonprofit, Ceres, advocating for ambitious climate policies across the United States. Laura holds a BS in pre-veterinary medicine and animal biosciences with a minor in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware. While currently based in the Mid-Atlantic United States, her formative years in Vermont fostered a passion for water, wildlife, and the outdoors. Whenever possible, Laura is in nature hiking with her pup, Atlas, relaxing by the nearest body of water, or birdwatching.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- New CEO
Mami Hara is CEO of the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Mami brings over three decades of experience in land and water management, fostering sustainable and equitable policies and practices through cultivating leaders, partnerships, and workforce, and community centered participation, planning, and management. In her public sector and private practice roles, Mami has guided the planning and implementation of award-winning green infrastructure, sustainability, utility, and community investment programs across the nation. Mami leads the Alliance's efforts as a National Environmental Finance Center.
Prior to serving at the Alliance, Mami was General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities, which provides solid waste, drainage, and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses, as well as drinking water for 1.4 million regional customers. In Seattle, Mami shepherded leading affordability, customer service, One Water, zero waste, and anti-displacement programs, as well as the largest capital project ever undertaken by the City of Seattle. Mami also served as First Deputy Commissioner of Philadelphia Water, where she helped foster the groundbreaking green infrastructure program, Green Cities, Clean Waters. Additionally, as a principal with a leading urban design and planning firm, Mami led seminal projects such as GreenPlan Philadelphia, and impactful environmental justice-centered, open space, infrastructure, and development plans for underserved communities across the eastern US.
Mary Morton, AICP, is the Creative Director at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads the Alliance's creative direction by blending artistic and cultural strategies into Alliance programs, partnerships, and One Water efforts and ensuring all Alliance communications and creative work are aligned. Prior to joining the Alliance, Mary was a Senior Associate at WRT, a national collaborative practice of planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and architects. She brings over a decade of experience working with communities to build capacity, design projects that support the development of meaningful public spaces, and tackle issues of environmental stewardship, social justice, equity, and authentic placemaking. During her time at WRT, she managed multiple projects related to green stormwater infrastructure and resiliency, including a plan for Harrisburg's green infrastructure and the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Study (CHEERS). She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami and her master's in city planning with an emphasis on urban design from the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, Mary enjoys watching college football, traveling, and going on adventures with her dog, Nola.
Maura Jarvis is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She specializes in community engagement for the Alliance's Equitable Infrastructure initiative and serves as a liaison for HBCU partnerships. Prior to joining the Alliance, Maura spent seven years working within the Philadelphia Water Department's (PWD) Public Affairs division. Rising through the ranks from intern to Assistant Manager of the Public Engagement team, she led community outreach for the Green City, Clean Waters program and served as PWD's superhero mascot, Water Woman. Maura has been recognized on multiple national platforms for her efforts to thoughtfully engage historically underserved communities in sustainability initiatives. These accolades include WaterNow Alliance's Emerging Leader Award, recognition in Drexel Magazine's 40 Under 40, and a US Water Prize in the category of Outstanding Rising One Water Leader. A proud Philadelphia native, Maura holds a custom, interdisciplinary degree in Sustainable Product Development from Drexel University and is passionate about advocating for environmental justice and equity in her hometown and beyond. Outside of work, you will find Maura traveling the world, performing Latin dance, or growing her collection of comic books.
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator
- Climate Action Program Coordinator
Mikelle Benfield is the Climate Action Program Coordinator at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She provides programmatic support to both the Climate Action and the Equitable Infrastructure teams. Prior to joining the Alliance, Mikelle had six years of experience in the environmental nonprofit sector, honing her skills in outreach and communications, project management, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver programming for communities in New York City, Middle Tennessee, and nationally. Along with her experience, Mikelle brings an academic background in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction with a Master's in Geography of Environmental Risk and Human Security from United Nations University and a bachelor's in geography from The Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time along Nashville's waterways and playing euphonium in the local community concert band.
Job Titles:
- State Policy and Government Affairs Manager
Mindy Bridges is the State Policy and Government Affairs Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She leads the Alliance's state policy engagement and works across programs to support government affairs. Prior to joining the Alliance, Mindy worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures for over ten years. There, she focused on environmental and agricultural policy research and developing nonpartisan educational resources for policymakers. She also convened states and Native American Tribes with the federal government to address issues related to cleanup of the nuclear weapons complex. She has a dual BA in anthropology and ecology & evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Outside of work, Mindy enjoys cooking, spending time with her dog and family, and training for short-distance triathlons.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Manager
- Senior Finance and Accounting Manager
Myeesha Parker is the Senior Finance and Accounting Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She supports the planning and managing of all budget and fiscal operations, maintaining oversight of the financial health of the organization. Previously, Myeesha worked for Costco Wholesale Corporation, where she served as Business Manager for the International Buying Division. In her role, she managed a $660 million budget, supported nine international teams across Europe and Asia/the Pacific, oversaw annual budget priorities, service contract negotiations, accounting discrepancies, and regulatory protocols, and developed global planning standards. Additionally, Myeesha held the position of co-chair for the Leschi Parent Equity Team in Seattle, WA, for five years, which was pivotable in the effort to dismantle education-based inequities within the public school classroom by getting the Seattle Public School Board's approval to offer half-day Montessori and Traditional teaching for all elementary students. In her free time, Myeesha enjoys spending time with family and friends and previously served as a mentor to underserved youth in her community.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- General Manager of Buffalo Sewer Authority
Oluwole A. (OJ) McFoy is the General Manager of Buffalo Sewer Authority, which operates a treatment facility holding 560 million gallons per day and a regional collection system serving over 550,000 customers in Western New York. He is responsible for delivering on Buffalo's 20-year, $400 million commitment to eliminate the effects of combined sewer overflows in Buffalo's Great Lakes waterways. Oluwole began his career at Buffalo Sewer in 2006 as the Chief Operating Officer and has held multiple positions since, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Engineer. Before joining Buffalo Sewer, his early career involved project engineering and management at a regional architectural and engineering consultant firm. Oluwole now serves as a Vice Chair for the New York Water Environment Association's Utility Executive Committee. Also, he represents New York, serving in the Water Environment Federation's House of Delegates as a state representative. He holds a BS in civil engineering from Clarkson University and is a licensed professional engineer in New York.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Programs
Paula Conolly, AICP, is the Senior Director of Programs for the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Paula oversees the Alliance's Environmental Finance Center, Climate Action, Water Equity Network, and Water Workforce and Leadership programs. Prior to joining the Alliance, Paula was the Executive Director of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange, a peer learning network of local public sector green infrastructure practitioners. A co-founder of the network, Paula helped build the organization and led the network toward adopting equity and authentic community engagement as tenets of the green infrastructure practice. Before that, she led policy initiatives for Philadelphia's renowned Green City, Clean Waters program, helping to change "business as usual" to implement over 30 acres of green stormwater infrastructure on vacant lands, parks, streets and private property. She also helped establish a state-of-the art drinking water protection program for the City of Philadelphia, helping to raise over $3M to improve and protect the Schuylkill River Watershed. Paula graduated from the University of Notre Dame. In her free time, Paula enjoys helping her Philadelphia neighborhood get green, yoga, and dancing badly.
Renée Willette is the Chief Strategy Officer at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She oversees all programmatic work and supports the CEO on strategic growth efforts for the organization. Prior to joining the Alliance, Renée worked for Stantec, a global, multi-sector engineering and architecture firm where she served as the water sector leader for the Midwest region. In her role at Stantec, she managed the Midwest team of water and wastewater engineers, oversaw regional business development efforts, supported national strategic partnerships, and served on Stantec's United States Inclusion and Diversity council. Previously, Renée was the Director of Strategy Initiatives for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which is responsible for providing 24/7 water, wastewater, and municipal power services to 2.6 million Bay Area residents. At the SFPUC, Renée led the agency's regional workforce development partnerships as well as the place-based revitalization strategy for the $2.7 billion Sewer System Improvement program. Renée also served as senior staff in two San Francisco mayoral administrations, focusing on fiscal policy and state and federal government affairs.
Renée attended executive education at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government as a David Bohnett Leaders Fellow. She holds a BA from Carleton College and a master's in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley. Currently residing in Minneapolis, Renée also serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Freshwater Society.
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Ruthie is Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. As part of the One Water Hub, Ruthie will lead work that seeds and supplements various programs and helps innovative policies develop and spread. A proud generalist, a Xennial, and a native Austinite, Ruthie has 12 years of environmental and water policy experience in Texas, Arizona, and California. Her passion for water stewardship stems from both learned and lived experience, as her family is from a rural central Texas town that has struggled to provide residents with clean drinking water for decades. In her desire to save the world, Ruthie focuses on water policy and practice that integrates the "three E's" of sustainable development: economy, environment, and (social) equity. Her integrated perspective is informed by the range of regulatory, nonprofit, municipal, and consulting roles she's held. Ruthie has a BS in Geography-Resource and Environmental Studies and a minor in Economics from Texas State University. Some aspects of life that she appreciates are fractals, wind, herbalism, her mom, samba, seaweed, and spiritual development.
Sarah Robinson is a Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. She works on the Alliance's Equitable Water Future Initiative. Sarah has experience in both the water utility and nonprofit sectors, focusing on watershed management and program development. Prior to joining the Alliance, Sarah worked at Houston Water, where she developed and provided community programs aimed at improving Houston's water infrastructure and resiliency. She also worked at Galveston Bay Foundation, serving as the Water Programs Manager. Sarah graduated with a master's in natural resource management and a BS in environmental geosciences, both from Texas A&M University. She also holds a professional certificate in behavior change for sustainability from University of California, San Diego. Sarah lives in Colorado with her husband and dog. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and any activity that is on or near a body of water.
Job Titles:
- Director of Policy and Government Affairs
Scott Berry is the Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. He leads the Alliance's engagement on policy issues. Previously, he was Director of the Utility Infrastructure Division, Environment, and Trade at the Associated General Contractors of America. There, he spent nine years as their head lobbyist on water infrastructure and water policy issues, and was the member services lead for water, sewer, power, telecommunications, and underground construction. He has served in the leadership of the Water Infrastructure Network, the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Coalition, the Common Ground Alliance, and the Waters Advocacy Coalition. He has a BA in political science and geography from the University of Mary Washington.
Job Titles:
- Engineer
- Member of the Board of Directors
- General Manager, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Shivaji Deshmukh is a licensed engineer who serves as the General Manager of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) with over 20 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. IEUA serves approximately 930,000 people in western San Bernardino County. Before IEUA, Mr. Deshmukh served as the Assistant General Manager at the West Basin Municipal Water District for nine years. Prior to that, he served Orange County Water District where he focused on the implementation, design, and construction of the Groundwater Replenishment System-a 130 million gallon per day potable reuse project.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Global Director of Jacobs' Water Market
- Global Water Director, Jacobs
Susan Moisio, PE, is the Global Director of Jacobs' Water Market. In this role, Susan leads a Jacobs team of more than 9,000 Drinking Water & Reuse, Water Resources, Conveyance & Storage, and Wastewater visionaries and doers to develop innovative, sustainable, and technology-enabled solutions for the world's water challenges. Jacobs' water team is committed to providing industry-leading infrastructure and digital and environmental expertise to address complex challenges across drinking water, wastewater, desalination, conveyance, and flood control challenges, all with Jacobs' One Water approach to water management. Susan is a Technology Fellow with more than 30 years of experience in capacity assessments, system integration, and flow analysis. She joined Jacobs in 2005, and her experience in wastewater planning and capital project execution includes 16 years with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Sewer District. Susan was named one of the top 40 influencers in the water industry by Global Water Intelligence Magazine. Susan is a member of the Alliance's One Water Council, she leads Jacobs' engagement with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, she currently serves on the Water Environment Federation Collection Committee, and she previously served on WEF's Technical Practices Committee and as chair of the WEFTEC Collection Systems Symposia. She is also a member of the Wet Weather Partnership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Executive Director, Louisville & Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District ( MSD )
Tony Parrott has been in the public utility business for 30 years. Tony joined the Butler County Department of Environmental Services, serving as Executive Director, from 1995 through 2004. In 2005, Tony became Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati-bringing wastewater services to 1.2 million residents of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and southwestern Ohio. While at Cincinnati, Tony successfully negotiated a federal consent decree with the US Department of Justice and US EPA, which was approved by the federal court in August 2010. In 2013, Tony was appointed the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati and the Greater Cincinnati Water Works. Under Tony's leadership, the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati won the 2014 US Water Prize from the US Urban Water Sustainability Council, a division of the US Water Alliance. Cincinnati MSD also received the Platinum Award for Excellence in Management from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) in 2015. In 2015, Tony was appointed the Executive Director of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), which serves residents in Louisville Metro, Oldham, and Bullitt counties. At Louisville MSD, Tony oversees a federal consent decree-an annual capital budget of $205 million with the goal of bringing safe, clean waterways to the community and improving the value of water as a community resource. Tony serves on the Board of Directors for NACWA representing Region 4 and is a member of the Water Agency Leaders Alliance. In 2011, Tony was named a WEF Fellow by the Water Environment Federation and was recognized by NACWA with a National Environment Achievement Award in February 2014. In 2017, Tony was appointed to the US EPA Environmental Financial Advisory Board. In 2021, Tony was appointed to the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) Board of Directors. In 2022, he was awarded the NACWA President Award. In 2023, MSD was awarded the NACWA Utility of the Future Award.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director of Houston Water
- Director, Houston Water Board Chair
Yvonne Forrest is the Director of Houston Water. Ms. Forrest is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Houston's regional water and wastewater utility systems. She also oversees regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, and operations/program support. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, and the city's public water and wastewater system is one of the largest utilities within the United States. She manages a staff of over 1,700 with an annual capital and operations and maintenance budget of over $657 million. The Drinking Water Operations branch is responsible for three surface water purification plants, 100 groundwater pumping stations, over 7,000 miles of water mains, 59,000 fire hydrants, and 159,000 valves. The Wastewater Operations branch is responsible for 39 waste treatment plants, over 370 lift stations, 127,000 manholes, and 6,100 miles of gravity and force mains. Prior to her career in public service, Ms. Forrest spent 15 years as an engineer in the private sector, developing processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and corporate standards. She holds a BSc in chemical engineering from University of South Carolina.