Announcing John Ikeda - WEF’s new Managing Director of Programs

As a valued WEF volunteer, you’ve demonstrated your deep commitment to WEF’s mission, vision, and our work to secure the future of water. That’s why we are delighted to let you know that John Ikeda will be joining us as WEF’s new Managing Director of Programs starting on December 11, 2023.  

John will oversee our technical practice areas and the Water Science and Engineering Center including community and volunteer support; our Professional and Workforce Development initiatives, including Education and Training, WEFTEC Education, and Operator Programs; International Programs; and Government Affairs.   

Barry Liner is assuming a new role as Senior Technical Advisor. Barry will remain involved with many of our initiatives and programs. 

John brings extensive water and wastewater experience to his new role at WEF. He has a long and successful track record in developing key water sector alliances and partnerships, expertise in developing financing initiatives in the US and around the world, and deep knowledge of water and wastewater regulatory frameworks.  

Before joining WEF, John led the water practice at Castalia, where he helped governments, utilities, project developers and investors find innovative solutions to complex water challenges, including providing training and loan assistance for water operators, improving water utility operations, working with rural water utilities on EPA programs, and creating partnerships with operator and engineering firms to advance water and wastewater initiatives.  

John has also developed innovative approaches to launching and financing watershed water quality restoration initiatives as co-founder of RESbonds and led the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership at the World Bank. He’s currently Board Chair for Sanitation and Human Rights for India (SHRI), a non-profit scaling an innovative Circular Water Economy approach to water and sanitation services in India. 

John has an MPA from Harvard University and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin. For fun, he enjoys kayaking on the Potomac River, hiking with his two dogs, and cooking—especially dishes that draw on his Italian and Japanese heritage.  

John’s combined experience will play a major role in helping WEF achieve our strategic goals of leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy, building a purpose-driven community, and developing a diverse and passionate water workforce.  

Please join me in welcoming John to WEF.