WEF Announces 2026 Fellows Honoring Leadership, Service, and the Power of Community

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is proud to announce the 2026 Class of WEF Fellows, recognizing an outstanding group of water professionals whose leadership, expertise, and service have advanced the water sector and strengthened communities around the world. The WEF Fellows program honors members who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement, provide leadership within the profession, and make lasting contributions to protecting public health and the environment. Since its establishment, the program has celebrated individuals whose impact extends across utility management, operations, regulation, research, education, consulting, and beyond.

Behind every WEF Fellow is a network of mentors, colleagues, friends, family members, and fellow volunteers who offered guidance, encouragement, opportunity, and support along the way. The 2026 Fellows embody not only personal excellence but also the collaborative spirit that defines the water community.

As Susan Moisio of the Indiana Water Environment Association shared:

“I am truly honored to receive this prestigious award and deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendship I've experienced throughout the water community. No one achieves success alone, and I am thankful for the many people who have helped me along the way.”

That sentiment was echoed by Scott F. Foley of the Missouri Water Environment Association, who reflected on the many relationships that shaped his career:

“During my more than 40 years in the water and environmental sector, I have been fortunate to receive the encouragement, guidance, and support of many colleagues, mentors, friends, and especially my family. WEF has provided the environment and structure that allowed me to grow professionally, share knowledge, serve the water community, and develop relationships that I will always cherish. This recognition reflects the selfless contributions of so many people who have helped me along my journey.”

Their words capture an essential truth about the water sector: progress happens when people connect with one another. Through mentorship, volunteer service, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, WEF Fellows help build a stronger profession while inspiring future generations of water leaders.

WEF congratulates the 2026 Fellows on this distinguished achievement and thanks them for their enduring commitment to advancing the global water environment. Their accomplishments reflect the very best of our profession and the collective strength of the water community they have helped cultivate.

Bob Bucher, P.E.

Bob Bucher, of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association, has spent 30 years advancing innovative and reliable wastewater treatment as a leader in technology assessment and utility engineering. Through his work with King County, he has helped strengthen treatment plant performance, resilience, and regulatory compliance while guiding the implementation of next-generation treatment and water reuse technologies. His technical expertise, commitment to innovation, and service to the water profession have contributed significantly to advancing sustainable wastewater management.

Tim Constantine, P.Eng.

Time Constantine, of the Water Environment Association of Ontario, is an internationally recognized leader in biological wastewater treatment with more than 30 years of experience advancing energy-efficient solutions for utilities around the world. Supporting more than 100 treatment facilities globally and holding two U.S. patents, Tim has also provided more than 25 years of leadership and service to WEF and WEAO, helping shape technical programming, strengthen knowledge sharing, and advance key industry publications.

Dr. Yang Deng, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE

Dr. Yang Deng, of the New Jersey Water Environment Association, is a distinguished educator, researcher, and engineer who has spent 30 years advancing innovative water treatment technologies, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable water management. As a professor and mentor, he has helped prepare hundreds of future water professionals while contributing influential research in water treatment and water-energy systems. Through his leadership with Water Environment Research, technical contributions, and commitment to professional development, Dr. Deng has made a lasting impact on both the science and practice of water quality management.

Dr. Viraj deSilva, P.E., BCEE

Dr. Viraj deSilva, of the Florida Water Environment Association, Georgia Association of Water Professionals, and Water Environment Association of Texas, is a globally recognized expert in water treatment and PFAS management, with more than 35 years of experience and contributions to over 300 projects worldwide. A dedicated WEF leader for more than 22 years, he has advanced emerging contaminant strategies, strengthened technical programming, and fostered collaboration across the national and international water communities.

Scott F. Foley

Scott Foley, of the Missouri Water Environment Association, has dedicated more than 40 years to advancing environmental stewardship through industrial wastewater treatment, biosolids management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable operations. A respected leader within WEF and the broader water community, he has fostered collaboration between industrial and municipal sectors while mentoring emerging professionals and helping strengthen the next generation of water leaders.

Gary Lynn Hunter, P.E., BCEE, ENV SP

Gary Lynn Hunter, of the Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee, Georgia Association of Water Professionals, Missouri Water Environment Association, and Water Environment Association of South Carolina, has more than 36 years of experience advancing water quality through innovative treatment solutions and infrastructure improvements. A recognized expert in biological nutrient removal and disinfection technologies, he has led more than 100 water and wastewater projects and authored over 70 technical publications. Through decades of leadership, service, and mentorship within WEF and its Member Associations, Gary has helped strengthen the profession and inspire future generations of water professionals.

Bruce W. Husselbee, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, DBIA

Bruce W. Husselbee, of the Virginia Water Environment Association, has spent more than 40 years advancing water infrastructure, alternative project delivery, and sustainable utility management. A visionary leader with HRSD, VWEA, and WEF, he has helped drive innovation in the water sector while fostering collaboration among utilities, engineers, and industry partners. Through his leadership, service, and commitment to mentoring future professionals, Bruce has made a lasting impact on the profession and the communities it serves.

David R. Jackson, P.E., BCEE

David Jackson, of the Water Environment Association of Texas, has dedicated more than 33 years to advancing safe drinking water, resource recovery, and sustainable water infrastructure for communities across Texas and beyond. A longtime leader within WEAT and WEF, he has contributed to technical excellence through engineering practice, industry publications, and volunteer leadership while championing inclusive engagement and mentorship within the profession. His commitment to innovation, service, and developing future water leaders has left a lasting impact on the water sector.

Sharon M. Miller, P.E.

Sharon Miller, of the Water Environment Association of Texas, has more than 30 years of experience in the water sector, with a distinguished career in wastewater treatment, utility management, and regulatory compliance. As a leader within the North Texas Municipal Water District, she has overseen major regional water resource recovery facilities while advancing operational excellence, workforce development, and award-winning utility performance. Through her leadership and service to WEAT and WEF, Sharon has helped strengthen the profession and advance best practices across the water community.

Susan Moisio

Susan Moisio, of the Ohio Water Environment Association, has devoted more than 39 years to advancing the water sector through leadership in One Water strategies, resilient infrastructure, digital innovation, and sustainable solutions. A respected voice within WEF and the broader water community, she has helped drive transformative approaches to water management while championing collaboration and professional excellence. Through her longstanding service and visionary leadership, Susan has made a lasting impact on the profession and the communities it serves.

Fernando Pasquel

Fernando Pasquel, of the Chesapeake Water Environment Association and Virginia Water Environment Association, has dedicated more than 40 years to advancing stormwater management, watershed protection, and resilient water infrastructure. A nationally recognized leader in green infrastructure and water policy, he has helped develop innovative solutions that improve water quality while strengthening community resilience. Through his extensive technical contributions and longstanding leadership within WEF and its Member Associations, Fernando has made a lasting impact on the water sector and the sustainable management of watershed resources.

John Phillips

John Phillips, of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association, is a nationally recognized leader in integrated watershed management, water quality, and climate resilience with more than 20 years of experience in the water sector. Through innovative programs, technical contributions, and dedicated volunteer service, he has helped communities address complex environmental challenges while advancing sustainable water resource management. An active WEF leader and community volunteer, John is known for fostering collaboration and creating lasting benefits for both the profession and the communities it serves.

Dr. Pusker Regmi, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE

Dr. Pusker Regmi, of the Virginia Water Environment Association, is an internationally recognized leader in wastewater process innovation with 20 years of experience advancing carbon-efficient nutrient removal, digital transformation, and full-scale technology implementation. Through his research, technical leadership, and service to WEF, he has helped drive innovation in biological nutrient removal, process optimization, and data-driven utility operations. His contributions continue to shape the future of sustainable and resilient water resource recovery.

Leanne B. Scott, P.E.

Leanne Scott, of Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee, dedicated 36 years to advancing wastewater collection system management and utility operations through her leadership with Metro Water Services. A passionate advocate for water professionals, she has played an important role in supporting operator training, certification, and professional development while serving WEF and her Member Association with distinction. Through her technical expertise, volunteer leadership, and commitment to empowering operators, Leanne has made a lasting impact on the water community.

Jay Swift

Jay Swift, of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association, has spent more than 40 years advancing wastewater treatment, water reuse, disinfection, and public health protection for communities across the Pacific Northwest. A dedicated leader within PNCWA and WEF for more than 25 years, he has contributed technical expertise, volunteer leadership, and critical public health outreach, including efforts to share wastewater-based epidemiology information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his commitment to innovation, service, and protecting public health, Jay has made a lasting impact on the water sector.

Contact: Christy Murphy, cmmurphy@wef.org

 

About WEF 
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) 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 wellbeing. 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.