The Water Entrepreneur

Congressman Mike Levin Congressman Mike Levin is proud to represent California’s 49th Congressional District, which includes North County San Diego and South Orange County. Currently serving his fourth term in the House of Representatives, Mike is a member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, where he serves on the Subcommittees on Energy and Water…More

Shannon Knee is the Founder and CEO of Cetos Water, overseeing the commercialization of the TSSE technology. Shannon brings deep expertise in commercializing products and technologies through her career as a private and public markets investor at Goldman Sachs’s Principal Investment Area, Glenview Capital and Cornell Capital. Through these roles, she was responsible for deploying…More

Congressman Jim Costa represents California’s 21st Congressional District, encompassing Fresno and Tulare counties. A senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the 2008, 2014, and 2018 Farm Bills, forging bipartisan partnerships to strengthen food security, support agricultural producers, and invest in rural communities. A dedicated advocate for the San Joaquin Valley, Congressman Costa has led efforts to secure reliable water resources and advance critical infrastructure investments, including projects such as the B.F. Sisk Dam, Friant-Kern Canal, and Sites Reservoir. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Costa is committed to promoting democratic values and advancing U.S. interests abroad. His extensive international engagement has included visits to Ukraine, Armenia, and the Middle East, where he has worked to strengthen diplomatic relationships and support global stability. Prior to his service in Congress, Costa spent 24 years in the California State Legislature, representing the San Joaquin Valley in both the California State Senate (1994–2002) and California State Assembly (1978–1994), building a distinguished record of public service focused on agriculture, water policy, economic development, and infrastructure.More

Jennifer Pierre serves as General Manager of the State Water Contractors (SWC), a statewide nonprofit association representing 27 public water agencies that receive water from California’s State Water Project. Collectively, these agencies provide water to more than 27 million Californians and irrigate approximately 750,000 acres of farmland. With more than 20 years of experience in California water policy, Delta management, and water supply planning, Jennifer leads the SWC’s efforts to advance reliable, sustainable, and affordable water supplies for communities throughout the state. She is recognized for her commitment to collaboration, science-based decision-making, and balancing water management objectives with environmental stewardship. Prior to joining SWC in 2017, Jennifer spent 14 years with ICF International, where she served as a Principal and led complex water supply, restoration, and planning projects throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries. Her expertise includes State Water Project and Central Valley Project operations, environmental compliance, ecosystem management, regulatory policy, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout her career, she has successfully guided multidisciplinary teams of engineers, hydrologists, biologists, and policy experts in developing technical analyses, environmental documentation, and water resource solutions. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology and Management, with an emphasis in Conservation Biology, from the University of California, Davis.More

Dr. David J. Stuckenberg is an influential strategist and technologist in national security and infrastructure. Recognized for his leadership, he has shaped U.S. defense policy and advised on water security. With extensive experience across government, industry, and academia, he holds over 90 patents and serves as a Colonel in the Air National Guard.More

Dr. Janet Anderson is a board-certified toxicologist and human health risk assessor with over 15 years of experience. Currently a Principal Scientist at Exponent, she specializes in chemical risk management, focusing on emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics. Noted for her expertise, she also engages in public speaking and mentoring within the field.More

Rob Kursinski is a leading atmospheric and space science expert with over 40 years of experience. He is currently the Chief Scientist at PlanetiQ, focusing on satellite atmospheric sensing. Formerly with NASA and a joint professor at the University of Arizona, he has significantly advanced weather observation technologies and atmospheric research.More

Laura Ramos is a highly respected water professional with more than two decades of experience dedicated to advancing water resource management through education, collaboration, and applied research. As the Director of Research and Education at the California Water Institute at California State University, Fresno, Laura leads strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world implementation—helping communities across California, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, navigate complex and evolving water challenges. In her current role, Laura oversees a diverse portfolio of programs focused on sustainable water management solutions for agricultural, urban, environmental, and disadvantaged community interests. Her work centers on engaging a wide range of stakeholders—including faculty, students, public agencies, water managers, and community leaders—to collaboratively address pressing water issues such as infrastructure reliability, water use efficiency, system consolidation, and long-term resource planning. With a strong belief that informed communities are empowered communities, Laura is deeply committed to “elevating the water IQ” through accessible education, outreach, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Laura’s leadership is defined by her ability to translate complex technical research into practical, actionable strategies. She has successfully facilitated partnerships between university researchers and local communities, forming multidisciplinary teams that deliver innovative, data-driven solutions. Her efforts have supported feasibility studies for consolidating small and disadvantaged water systems, advanced stakeholder engagement around critical infrastructure needs, and expanded access to technical assistance and training programs throughout the region. Prior to her current role, Laura served in several key leadership positions within the California Water Institute, including Interim Director and Associate Director of Research and Education, as well as Programs Manager. In these roles, she managed multiple large-scale programs and grants, while also overseeing marketing, operations, and strategic communications. Her ability to align programmatic goals with community needs has made her a trusted connector between academia and industry. Laura’s career began at the Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State, where she spent over 18 years as a Program Coordinator. There, she managed staff and mentored students, helping to prepare the next generation of water professionals for successful careers in the field. She also played a key role in organizing and executing dozens of national and international conferences, workshops, and training programs each year—building platforms for knowledge exchange and industry advancement. Her program experience spans a wide array of initiatives, including water use efficiency for specialty crops, fertigation training, watershed management education, disadvantaged communities technical assistance, and long-standing water policy and technology programs. Laura has also been instrumental in maintaining outreach channels, managing communications platforms, and representing her organization at industry events worldwide. At the core of Laura’s work is a passion for collaboration, education, and impact. She is continually seeking opportunities to identify water management challenges that can benefit from academic partnership and is driven by the belief that solutions are most effective when they are co-developed with the communities they serve. Laura holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from California State University, Fresno.More

Nicolas Schexnayder, P.E. is a Project Engineer with McKim & Creed specializing in drainage infrastructure, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and municipal water and wastewater systems. Since beginning his engineering career in 2020, he has contributed to the planning, design, and implementation of critical infrastructure projects across Louisiana that improve flood resilience, stormwater management, and community recreation. Nicolas has led and supported numerous drainage and infrastructure initiatives, including regional detention pond design, municipal drainage trunkline improvements, and multimodal trail redevelopment. His work has helped secure more than $60 million in state and federal funding through programs such as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Statewide Flood Control Program and the Louisiana Watershed Initiative. He also supports municipalities in grant development, engineering reports, cost estimating, and stakeholder coordination for complex infrastructure upgrades. In addition to his engineering work, Nicolas is actively involved in professional and community organizations. He serves as President of the Ascension Parks Foundation and contributes to the Women in Transportation Seminar Greater Baton Rouge Chapter as Scholarship Chair. Nicolas earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Louisiana. Alex Foreman, E.I., CFM is an Engineering Designer with McKim & Creed, Inc., based in Gonzales, Louisiana. He specializes in water resources engineering, supporting the design and analysis of infrastructure projects that improve stormwater management, drainage systems, and flood resilience for communities across Louisiana. Before joining McKim & Creed, Alex worked as a Water Resources Design Specialist with DDG, where he contributed to hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, drainage design, and infrastructure planning for municipal and regional projects. Earlier in his career, he served as a student intern with Royal Engineers & Consultants in Baton Rouge, gaining hands-on experience in civil engineering design and project support. Alex earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University. He holds Engineer-in-Training (E.I.) and Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credentials and is focused on developing resilient water infrastructure solutions that support sustainable community growth.More

Mike Stoup, P.E. is the Vice President and E&I Group Manager at McKim & Creed in Clearwater, Florida. With more than 30 years of experience in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, Mike leads a highly skilled electrical and instrumentation team delivering advanced design, programming, and commissioning services for the water and wastewater industry across the southeastern United States and beyond. His team supports projects from early conceptual planning and master planning through detailed design and specification development, specializing in motor controls, power distribution, communications networks, intelligent I/O systems, instrumentation, and PLC and HMI platforms. Prior to joining McKim & Creed, Mike served as Vice President at DcR Engineering Services, Inc., where he held senior executive responsibility for company profitability and operations across multiple divisions and offices. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening safety practices, improving operational processes, and guiding the organization from financial losses to sustained profitability while overseeing dozens of projects simultaneously across industries including municipal utilities, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and power. Earlier in his career, Mike worked as a Senior Process Control Engineer at Ciba Specialty Chemicals, where he contributed to global initiatives advancing water treatment technologies and telemetry systems. His experience also includes engineering and automation roles with Electro Design Engineering and Reimelt Corporation, where he developed expertise in PLC, HMI, and DCS programming, electrical design, and industrial system integration. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of South Florida and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for combining deep technical knowledge with strong leadership to deliver complex infrastructure and automation solutions that improve efficiency, reliability, and safety.More

Kathryn Sorensen is a nationally recognized water policy leader and researcher with decades of experience advancing sustainable water management in Arizona and across the Colorado River Basin. She currently serves as Director of Research at the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University, where she oversees strategic research initiatives focused on water resilience, governance, and long-term resource planning. Prior to joining ASU, Kathryn served for more than a decade in executive municipal leadership, including as Director of Phoenix Water Services for the City of Phoenix and Director of the Water Resources Department for the City of Mesa. In these roles, she was responsible for delivering safe, reliable water services to millions of Arizonans while strengthening water stewardship across Arizona and the Colorado River Basin. At Arizona State University, Kathryn also serves as a Professor of Practice in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and as a Senior Global Futures Scientist with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. She is an active member of the Colorado River Research Group and serves on the board of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Kathryn earned her PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Texas A&M University and her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Michigan. Her career reflects a deep commitment to sound water policy, evidence-based research, and collaborative leadership in one of the most water-challenged regions of the United States.More

Allyson Mauck is a Project and Client Manager with eight years of experience delivering complex water, wastewater, and process infrastructure programs across Florida. She is nationally recognized for her leadership in drinking water compliance, particularly in implementation of the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and Improvements (LCRR/LCRI). Allyson specializes in Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Surveys (SSES), asset management, capital improvement planning, and regulatory coordination, helping utilities navigate evolving compliance landscapes while maintaining fiscal responsibility. At McKim & Creed, Inc., Allyson serves as a Project Manager in Clearwater, FL, where she leads large-scale municipal programs focused on system resiliency, regulatory compliance, and data-driven infrastructure investment. She currently manages a 10-year, $60 million SSES program for the City of Fort Myers, overseeing flow monitoring, CCTV inspections, smoke and dye testing, manhole assessments, and rehabilitation planning for approximately 27,000 customers. Her leadership integrates trenchless technologies, contractor coordination, and GIS-based decision support to prioritize rehabilitation and reduce inflow and infiltration (I/I). Allyson has played a pivotal role in regional potable water planning and condition assessment initiatives, including a comprehensive risk-based analysis of 2,199 miles of water mains for Manatee County Utilities. Through predictive analytics and GIS/CMMS integration, she implemented automated risk scoring that identified 50 priority replacements and informed multi-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning focused on reliability, fire flow capacity, and water quality improvements. A recognized leader in LCRR/LCRI compliance, Allyson managed the inventory and classification of more than 140,000 service lines for Manatee County Utilities. Her approach combined predictive modeling, GIS analysis, and targeted field verification to minimize unnecessary excavation while maintaining regulatory transparency. She also led the compliance initiative for the City of Palmetto, overseeing service line inventory reconciliation, stakeholder communication, and development of a public-facing dashboard to track compliance progress. Her funding strategy secured approximately $1 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) support with 49% principal forgiveness, reducing financial impact on ratepayers. In addition to compliance and collection system programs, Allyson has supported advanced treatment solutions, including funding and preliminary engineering efforts for a Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant addressing emerging contaminants for the Town of Belleair. She successfully secured $3.25 million in FDEP SRF Emerging Contaminants grant funding, delivering a fully grant-funded design. Her expertise spans program and project management, SSES and I/I investigations, asset management and condition assessment, SRF funding strategy (DWSRF/CWSRF), regulatory coordination with EPA and FDEP, GIS/CMMS integration, predictive analytics, and public outreach. Allyson holds a B.S. in Physics from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) at the University of Central Florida. She is a NASSCO Certified Inspector (PACP, MACP, LACP) and serves as Chair of the FSAWWA Region IV Collegiate Committee. Allyson is driven by a commitment to resilient infrastructure, transparent governance, and data-informed decision-making that strengthens communities and protects public health.More

Joel Weber is a driven entrepreneur known for his perseverance, adaptability, and ability to anticipate industry shifts before they happen. Raised on a family farm in Manitoba, Joel developed an early work ethic baling hay, repairing equipment, and learning firsthand the value of resilience and problem-solving. Neurodivergent and proudly ADHD, Joel leverages hyperfocus, pattern recognition, and relentless curiosity as competitive advantages in business. With a strong foundation in vocational drafting and engineering, he began his career at SAMSON Engineering, where he advanced from junior CAD technician to Computer Aided Design Manager. There, he led multidisciplinary project teams and worked on large-scale commercial, industrial, and civil developments across Western Canada. Joel later returned to his agricultural roots, building a commercial hay and straw operation that serviced customers across Canada and the United States. After a life-altering tractor accident ended his conventional farming career, he pivoted — transforming adversity into innovation. In 2017, Joel founded Fresh Forage Farms Ltd., a vertical farming company that has achieved consistent annual growth of 130–150%. Under his leadership, the company supplies microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty crops to major grocery chains including Loblaws, Sobeys, Save-On-Foods, CO-OP, and premium restaurants. Joel built the company from the ground up — overseeing production systems, regulatory compliance, packaging, business strategy, and team development. His passion for environmental solutions led him to found Lakewater Nutrient Capture Ltd. in 2024, focused on addressing phosphorus pollution in Lake Winnipeg. The company has completed advanced startup programming through North Forge, filed Canadian and U.S. patents for its filtration technology, and won the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 MEIA Cleantech Conference Green Dragons’ Lair Pitch Competition. Joel is actively collaborating with industry leaders, Indigenous communities, and policymakers to bring scalable water remediation solutions to market. Known for his ability to solve complex problems with practical, engineered solutions, Joel thrives in high-pressure environments and excels at building resilient, adaptable businesses. Whether in agriculture, engineering, or cleantech innovation, he approaches every challenge with strategic vision and relentless execution.More

Alan Roberson, P.E. is a nationally recognized leader in drinking water policy, regulatory strategy, and public health protection with more than 46 years of experience spanning engineering, government affairs, association leadership, and water quality research. He is widely regarded as an expert in Safe Drinking Water Act implementation, water security, regulatory compliance, and utility risk management. Alan currently serves as a Water Policy Advisor, providing senior-level guidance to utilities, government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations on federal and state drinking water policy. Throughout his career, he has played a critical role in shaping regulatory frameworks, evaluating public health impacts, and developing cost-effective compliance strategies. He has also served as an expert witness in international water regulatory matters. From 2017 to 2025, Alan served as Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), where he led national efforts to address emerging contaminants, including PFAS, oversaw revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule, and strengthened coordination among state and federal drinking water programs. Prior to ASDWA, he spent 25 years with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) as Director of Federal Relations, directing national regulatory and water security initiatives, leading research programs, and serving as a key spokesperson on drinking water policy. Alan has also contributed extensively to academia and professional development. He is an instructor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, teaching drinking water policy and regulatory risk management. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and technical research studies addressing drinking water regulations, contaminant risk assessment, and utility management strategies. He currently serves on the Fairfax Water Board of Directors, where he has held leadership roles including Treasurer and Chair of the Water Quality & Supply Committee. His contributions to the water industry have been recognized with numerous honors, including the AWWA Fuller Award, ASDWA Career Achievement Award, and induction into the Water Industry Hall of Fame. Alan holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.More

Manuel (Manny) Teodoro is a Professor of Public Affairs whose work lies at the intersection of politics, public policy, and public management. His research focuses on U.S. environmental policy and implementation, with particular emphasis on drinking water governance, environmental justice, and the management, policy, and finance of public utilities. Teodoro is widely recognized for combining rigorous empirical research with applied scholarship, and he works directly with governments and water sector leaders across the United States to address pressing policy and management challenges. Teodoro is the editor of Safe Drinking Water Act: The Next Fifty Years (Palgrave Macmillan, forthcoming 2026), which examines the future of federal drinking water policy. He is also the author, with Samantha Zuhlke and David Switzer, of The Profits of Distrust: Citizen-Consumers, Drinking Water, and the Crisis of Confidence in American Government (Cambridge University Press, 2022). This award-winning book argues that reliable basic services are foundational to government legitimacy and links the rise of the bottled water industry to declining trust in American democracy. His first book, Bureaucratic Ambition: Careers, Motives, and the Innovative Administrator (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011), advances a theory of administrative ambition, demonstrating how career motivations shape innovation, political engagement, and democratic governance within public organizations. In addition to his theoretical contributions, Teodoro pursues an extensive program of applied research on utility management, rate design, affordability, and equity. He has developed novel methods for analyzing utility rate equity and affordability and regularly collaborates with public officials, regulators, and utility leaders to inform policy design and operational decision-making. His work on public management and bureaucratic politics emphasizes labor markets as political phenomena and as predictors of organizational performance. Teodoro’s scholarship and teaching have received numerous honors. His awards include the Donald R. Boyd Award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies and the Hydro 20 Award from WaterLoop and Sciens Water in 2025; the Lynton Keith Caldwell Prize from the American Political Science Association for The Profits of Distrust in 2024; the Robert F. and Sylvia T. Wagner Distinguished Faculty Award from the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Letters & Sciences in 2023; the Evan Ringquist Best Paper Award from the APSA Science, Technology, and Environmental Politics Section in 2022; multiple Best Paper Awards from the American Water Works Association Management & Leadership Division (2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021); the Herbert Simon Book Award from the American Political Science Association for Bureaucratic Ambition in 2016; the Best Book Award from the American Society for Public Administration’s Section on Public Administration Research in 2013; the Norton Long Young Scholar Award from the APSA Urban Politics Section in 2010; the Fredric Jablin Dissertation Award from the International Leadership Association and the NASPAA Dissertation Award in 2007; and the Lurie Teaching Prize from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 2003.More

Gary C. Ganziis an Intellectual Property Attorney and Professional Engineer with extensive experience in corporate IP and technology management. He brings to his legal practice a rare combination of executive-level business insight and deep applied technical expertise across chemical engineering, materials science, polymers, electrochemistry, and water and wastewater treatment and reuse. Widely respected for his ability to bridge legal, technical, and business domains, Gary provides comprehensive guidance in IP portfolio management and strategic IP and technology development to drive profitable growth. His background spans startup environments through large multinational corporations, enabling him to align IP strategy with technology maturity, budget constraints, and long-term business objectives. Gary’s signature IP approach integrates patent filing and prosecution strategy, IP valuation and licensing, risk mitigation, and freedom-to-operate analysis with broader business and R&D strategy. His work routinely includes contract review; website, product, and technical literature analysis; protection of know-how and trade secrets; and strategic guidance to support commercialization and competitive positioning. Peter Lando practices across all areas of intellectual property law and related business transactions, advising clients on the strategic development, protection, and commercialization of IP assets. He is routinely engaged in intellectual property due diligence for acquisitions and divestitures, representing clients ranging from early-stage ventures to companies valued in excess of $1 billion. Peter has served as primary negotiator or lead counsel in dozens of licensing, collaboration, and technology-driven business transactions. Peter frequently prepares patentability and freedom-to-operate opinions and has prosecuted a substantial portfolio of patents that have been successfully enforced in court and/or licensed. His practice also includes providing creative and strategic trademark counsel, resulting in distinctive registration and enforcement approaches, as well as drafting comprehensive trade secret policies and protection strategies to safeguard clients’ proprietary information. Recognized by clients as a “big-picture thinker” and “talented portfolio developer,” Peter is valued for his ability to move beyond traditional patent prosecution to address the real-world challenges companies face as they grow, scale, and expand into new markets. His counsel integrates legal rigor with commercial insight to help clients build resilient, high-value IP portfolios. Peter has extensive technical experience across the chemical process industries, water and wastewater treatment technologies, medical devices, polymers, particulate materials, specialty metals and ceramics, and mechanical and industrial designs. He is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading intellectual property attorneys in clean and green technologies, making him a trusted advisor to investors and companies in these sectors both nationally and internationally. Active in the intellectual property community, Peter regularly speaks to industry groups, clients, and students on a wide range of IP topics, including portfolio strategy, emerging technologies, and innovation-driven growth.More

Elliot Strand, Ph.D. is a materials scientist, entrepreneur, and climate-tech innovator specializing in printed electronics, sensors, and precision agriculture. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of PAGE Technologies, where he leads the commercialization of scalable, low-cost printed sensor platforms to transform soil and water quality management. Since founding PAGE in 2023, Elliot has secured over $1.75M in non-dilutive funding, serves as Principal Investigator on NSF and Colorado OEDIT grants, and has grown the company from two to seven employees. Elliot earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, completing the program in four years with a 4.0 GPA and receiving the MDPI Sensors 2023 Best PhD Thesis Award. His research focuses on fully printed electrochemical and organic electronic sensors for plant health, nutrient monitoring, and environmental sensing, resulting in multiple patents, high-impact journal publications, and invited talks at international conferences. Prior to his doctorate, he earned a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also conducted machine-learning–driven materials research and held multiple engineering internships in semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear materials, and medical isotopes. Beyond research and startups, Elliot is deeply committed to mentorship, STEM outreach, and inclusive leadership, having founded the MSE & Beyond Mentorship Program and volunteered for over a decade with organizations such as Best Buddies International. His work sits at the intersection of advanced materials, sustainability, and real-world deployment, with the goal of enabling smarter, more resilient environmental systems.More

Will Dubin Will Dubin is the Founder & CEO of ManholeMetrics, a venture-backed, multi-award-winning wastewater sensor and analytics company transforming how cities monitor and manage sewer networks. Since founding the company in 2021, Will has raised £878k from leading investors including Ascension, BDF, and prominent industry angels, secured projects with utilities and infrastructure owners across…More

Cassie Braswell Cassie Braswell is a Customer Success Manager in agricultural technology, specializing in advanced water management solutions for vineyards and specialty crops across Northern California. With more than a decade of experience spanning irrigation systems, agri-business operations, and customer relationship management, Cassie serves as a key connector between growers, technology innovators, and regulatory agencies.…More

Kerry Hoffman Kerry HoffmanDirector – Utility Technology Solutions | Ferguson Enterprises Kerry is an experienced technology leader with over 15 years in the water and utility technology sectors. As Director of Utility Technology Solutions at Ferguson, Kerry leads strategic initiatives that bring cutting-edge municipal and utility technologies to communities across the U.S., helping utilities modernize…More

Bruce Alderman CEO, ROTEC USA | Water Industry Leader | Expert in Commercialization, Sales, and Process Innovation Bruce J. Alderman is a passionate, process-driven leader with a proven record of bringing disruptive water technologies to global industrial and municipal markets. Over his 25+ year career, Bruce has combined technical expertise with commercial insight to drive…More

Megan Glover Megan Glover is the Co-Founder and CEO of 120Water, a leading provider of cloud-based software and services that help government agencies, public water systems, and facilities execute safe and compliant drinking water programs. Since launching the company in 2016, Megan has guided 120Water into becoming a trusted end-to-end platform that empowers clients to…More

Jennifer Zach Jennifer Zach – Marketing & Asset Management Leader Jennifer Zach is a seasoned marketer and communicator who has evolved into a respected advocate for asset management and water infrastructure. As Chief Marketing Officer at MentorAPM, she drives strategy and messaging for a leading enterprise asset management software provider, helping utilities and critical infrastructure…More

Chad Seidel Dr. Chad Seidel, P.E. is the President of Corona Environmental Consulting, LLC and aResearch Affiliate at the University of Colorado Boulder. Chad has focused his entirecareer on technical and policy issues to address public health concerns within thewater community at Federal, state, and local levels. He has more than 25 years ofconsulting experience…More

Joe Wolfel Joe Wolfel is co-founder and the CEO of Terradepth, leading the company’s mission to unlock the potential of subsea data for industries such as energy, environmental science, and defense. Prior to his leadership role at Terradepth, Joe was the Managing Partner at Exbellum, a boutique consulting firm specializing in complex human capital solutions,…More

Ramon Rubio de Castro Ramon Castro is an innovative water-sector professional with more than a decade of international experience spanning engineering, desalination, and strategic consulting. He is the Founder and Host of The Water MBA, a global knowledge platform and community empowering water professionals through interviews, insights, and audiovisual content. Since launching in 2023, Ramon…More

Richard Brown and Brian Cummings  Richard Brown earned his BSEE and MSEE degrees from Brigham Young University and, after six years in industry, completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Utah in 1985. His doctoral research produced one of the first smart sensors—an array of miniature ion-selective electrodes with integrated electronics. He…More

Tony Searls Anthony V. “Tony” Searls is an accomplished public utility leader with over a decade of experience driving operational excellence, customer service innovation, and strategic financial management within government and utility sectors. Currently serving as the Commercial Services Superintendent at Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Tony oversees a $480M revenue stream and leads a 115-member…More

James Perry James PerryChief Executive Officer | ASTERRASan Diego, California, United States James Perry is a seasoned executive and innovation leader with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth, business development, and market transformation across multiple industries. As CEO of ASTERRA, James leads a pioneering team at the forefront of Earth monitoring, leveraging Synthetic…More

Ed Rudberg Ed Rudberg, Ph.D.Chief Executive Officer, Nucleic Sensing Systems | CEO, CD3 General Benefit Corporation Dr. Ed Rudberg is a mission-driven executive and environmental innovator with over 20 years of leadership experience across the sustainability and water technology sectors. He currently serves as CEO of Nucleic Sensing Systems, where he leads the development of…More

Craig Beckman Craig Beckman is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 30 years of experience leading teams, scaling businesses, and transforming organizations in the water technology, industrial systems, and cleantech sectors. From his early days as a sales engineer to his tenure as a CEO, Craig has built a career on integrity, strategic acumen,…More

Scott Jauch Scott Jauch I Condition Assessment Regional Practice Lead, Black & VeatchPhoenix, Arizona, USA Scott Jauch is the Condition Assessment Regional Practice Lead at Black & Veatch, based in Phoenix, Arizona. With 8 years of experience in the water sector, Scott specializes in the condition assessment and rehabilitation of buried infrastructure, particularly large-diameter water…More

Erin K. Rothman Climate Scientist | Urban Planner | EntrepreneurInnovating at the intersection of data, design, and resilience With over 20 years of experience at the nexus of climate science, urban planning, and entrepreneurship, Erin Rothman has built a career solving some of the most complex environmental and social challenges facing communities today. Her work…More

Matt Boczkowski Matt Boczkowski has a diverse work experience in various industries and roles. Matt is currently the CEO of Aquaporin A/S, a company focused on water filtration through biotechnology. Before that, he held multiple roles at SUEZ, including Vice President Industrial Strategy, Growth, Market Development, and Global Director of Marketing and Growth Initiatives. Matt…More

Brian Richter Brian RichterPresident, Sustainable Waters | Adjunct Professor, University of Virginia Brian Richter is a globally recognized authority on water science and conservation, with over 30 years of experience advancing sustainable water management practices. He is the President of Sustainable Waters, an international education and advisory organization that supports communities, governments, and industries in…More

Jack Schmidt Jack Schmidt is a Professor at Utah State University and Director of the Center for Colorado River Studies within the Quinney College of Natural Resources. With nearly four decades of experience, he is a leading expert in river science, focusing primarily on the Colorado River, its tributaries, and the Grand Canyon. His research…More

Anne Castle Anne Castle is a senior fellow at the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment at the University of Colorado Law School, focusing on western water issues, including Colorado River policy and Tribal water rights.  Castle was appointed by President Biden in 2022 as the U.S. Commissioner and Chair of the…More

James Roberts Founder & CEO | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States James Roberts is the Founder and CEO of WaiHome, a company dedicated to modernizing backyard wastewater treatment. Under his leadership, WaiHome focuses on passive, aboveground treatment systems that are easy to install and provide high-quality, reusable effluent—helping homeowners create sustainable outdoor spaces. Learn more at…More

 Nathaniel Banks Nathaniel BanksCo-founder & CTO, PolyGone Systems | Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellow Nathaniel is a pioneering innovator in environmental technology, specializing in microplastic monitoring and filtration solutions. As the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of PolyGone Systems, he leads the company’s engineering, research, and product development, driving advancements in sustainable water treatment solutions.…More

Dragan Tutic Dragan Tutic is a mechanical engineer by training and entrepreneur by nature. He is propelledby a distinctive mix of empathy, curiosity, and determination. Demonstrating an inventive flaireven before entering university, Tutic accomplished the remarkable feat of constructing a fullyoperational electric motorcycle, showcasing his ingenuity and passion for sustainable solutions. Tutic’s journey as an…More

Tia Cavender Tia A. Cavender, MA I CEO & Founder, Dig Deep Research, LLC Tia A. Cavender is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 24 years of experience in strategic grants planning, capital funding, and public-private partnerships. As the CEO and Founder of Dig Deep Research, LLC, she has built a nationally recognized consulting…More

Susan Fortner Susan Fortner is a dynamic communications and public relations expert with extensive experience in strategic brand development, media relations, crisis management, and corporate growth. As the driving force behind BPR International in Columbus, OH, she oversees company operations, staff development, and event coordination while managing high-level media strategies, social media campaigns, and advertising…More

Windi Muziasari Windi Muziasari is an Indonesian-born global citizen based in Helsinki, Finland, since 2010. She is the founder and CEO of Resistomap, a pioneering company specializing in end-to-end laboratory services for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and pathogens in the environment. By integrating molecular genetics and data science, Windi and her team provide critical…More

Chelsea Boozer Chelsea Boozer is a dynamic leader and strategic communicator with a proven track record in public policy, government affairs, and nonprofit management. As the Executive Director of Rogue Water Lab, she is spearheading efforts to sustain and expand programming, securing additional sponsors, and managing a $350,000 budget while overseeing key initiatives such as…More

Emily Lewis Emily assists clients in navigating and solving complex water problems.She has 14 years of experience advising individual water right owners, water wholesalers, municipalities, mining companies, developers, mutual shareholder irrigation companies, and other water users. Her strategic projects practice extends to innovative policy work and specialty water project management. For example, she recently acted…More

Kevin Gast Kevin Gast is the Co-Founder, CEO, & Chairman of VVater, apioneering next-generation water treatment company dedicatedto leveraging advanced technologies to address global waterchallenges across numerous industries. With over 20+ years of executive leadership experience, Kevin has managed cross-functional and international teams in more than 30 countries,bringing innovative solutions to sectors such as real…More

George Hawkins George Hawkins launched his innovation-focused non-profit enterprise Moonshot Missions after stepping down as CEO of DC Water, where he served for eleven years. George helps agencies identify and adopt strategies to deliver better service and lower cost, with a focus on small and under-resourced communities and water utilities. In 2023, Moonshot was selected…More

Win Cowgar Dr. Win Cowger (AKA Dr. Trash) is an accomplished environmental scientist specializing in plastic pollution, sustainable resource management, and conservation strategies. Win holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of California, Riverside, a B.S. in Environmental Science from Iowa State University , and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from…More

José Castro Jose Segura’s mission is to improve the world’s water quality by lowering barriers to monitoring. Across geographies and industries, there is a common thread: water quality testing is too expensive, slow and inconvenient. By leveraging technologies used in the glucose monitoring industry, we offer near-lab quality results in less than five minutes, on-site,…More

Lauren Enright Lauren Enright, Program Manager, Water Services, SCS Global She leads the growing water stewardship practice at SCS Global where she works with organizations on validation, verification, and certification of water metrics, shedding transparency to investors, stakeholders and the general public. She understands where the value lies in going beyond measuring and monitoring water…More