WEF Incorporates Partnering for Impact, Drives Collaboration Across the Global Water Sector

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Feb. 10, 2026 – The Water Environment Federation (WEF), a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training, today announced it will incorporate Partnering for Impact into WEF.

Partnering for Impact is a collaborative initiative launched in 2016 to unite water sector leaders and organizations in advancing shared goals for resilience, equity, and innovation through strategic partnerships. Its proven event and learning methodology will now scale globally through WEF's extensive network and technical expertise, creating new opportunities for the larger community.

Collaboration Is Key to Addressing Global Water Challenges

Water challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected, requiring solutions that span sectors and geography. By bringing Partnering for Impact's collaborative methodology into its events and programs, WEF will accelerate mission progress and scale alongside its global network of more than 31,000 water professionals.

"We are committed to creating new opportunities for our members, partners and community to collaborate and drive progress," said Keith Hobson, president of WEF's Board of Trustees. "By bringing Partnering for Impact into WEF, we further our global strategy to attract the water workforce, enhance our community and lead the transformation to the circular water economy."

As part of the collaboration, Partnering for Impact’s leadership — including Rick Warner, Eileen O’Neill, Krishna Pagilla, Matt Ries, and Bahram Vahedi — will serve as strategic advisers to WEF, helping to guide future initiatives.

Rick Warner of Partnering for Impact and Jacobs, said, "Partnering for Impact was built on the belief that collaboration drives progress. We’re thrilled with the opportunity to get closer to the WEF community and ensure that our mission continues and scales globally, benefitting the entire water sector."

"Bringing Partnering for Impact into WEF is a smart and timely move for the water community," said Jenn Jones, CEO of the California Water Environment Association. "The value of this work is its ability to turn big challenges into shared, actionable next steps: connecting practitioners, ideas, and resources in a way that accelerates real-world progress. We’re excited to see this approach expanded and sustained through WEF’s reach and convening power."

"Partnering for Impact has shown what’s possible when leaders across the water sector come together with intention and purpose," said Adam D. Link, executive director of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies. "Integrating this powerful collaborative model into WEF's global platform is an exciting step forward for our community. It strengthens our collective ability to share trusted knowledge, elevate innovation, and deliver progress for clean water agencies and the communities they serve."

While specific initiatives are still being shaped, WEF members and the larger water community can expect to see elements of Partnering for Impact reflected in upcoming programs and events aligned with WEF’s strategic priorities. More details will follow in future communications. Stay tuned to wef.org for updates.

About Partnering for Impact

Partnering for Impact is a collaborative initiative founded to unite water sector leaders and organizations in advancing shared goals for resilience, equity, and innovation through strategic partnerships. Since 2016, it has convened national and international stakeholders to address critical water challenges.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS

Alyson Moses, WEF Managing Director, Marketing & Communications
amoses@wef.org

Heidi Bragg, WEF Senior Director, Public Outreach and Communications hbragg@wef.org

ABOUT WEF

The Water Environment Federation is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training. WEF is leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy: reducing waste, recovering resources, and regenerating ecosystems. Founded in 1928, WEF's mission is to inspire its 31,000 members and 75 affiliated member organizations and the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being. WEFTEC, WEF’s premiere event, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America, attracting a diverse, global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water. For more information, visit wef.org.