Paul J. Schuler

President

Paul J. Schuler is president and a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA.

He brings more than 30 years of leadership in the water industry, recognized for his advocacy of the One Water approach and the shift toward a circular water economy. As senior vice president and strategic adviser at Carollo Engineers, he leverages experience from executive roles at top water solutions providers to drive innovation, elevate client service, and support company growth. Paul served as a WEF trustee, president of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association and is currently an elected board member of the West Slope Water District in Portland, Oregon.

His commitment to sustainable water management practices and technologies underscores his dedication to building a more resilient and regenerative water future. Paul’s expertise spans drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and industrial water projects. A licensed professional engineer, he is known for his passion for integrating water systems and promoting conservation through holistic water resource management. His strategic insights and collaborative approach make him a trusted partner for clients seeking innovative and comprehensive water solutions.

Paul holds a Master of Business Administration in Management, a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Corey Williams

President-Elect

Corey Williams is the president-elect and member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA.

Corey is a distinguished leader in the water sector, bringing more than three decades of experience in advancing water and infrastructure technology.  Most recently, Corey served as President and CEO of SmartCover until its acquisition by Badger Meter in 2025.  He now leads Corporate Business Development for Badger Meter, where he oversees the company’s merger and acquisition strategy.  A licensed Civil Engineer, Corey has served as President and CEO of multiple organizations, where he drove record performance, global expansion, and successful acquisitions. Earlier in his career, he scaled a fast‑growing consulting and software firm and led a large technology department within a national engineering organization. In addition to his corporate leadership, Corey also serves as Vice President of the Water Environment Federation, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing the industry. 

Tracy Ekola, P.E.

Vice President

Tracy Ekola serves as vice president and a member of the 2026–27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. 

An engineer and executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in the water industry, Tracy fosters a positive, forward-thinking environment through clear communication, effective collaboration, and strategic leadership. Her leadership experience includes organizational strategy, innovation, utility performance, regional and national market analyses, project management and delivery improvement processes, succession planning, leadership training and development. With an extensive background in the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment facilities, she has served in roles ranging from on-site engineer to executive leadership positions in both public-sector and private, employee-owned engineering firms. Her experience spans drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and industrial water projects. 

Tracy has been an active member of WEF and the Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA), participating in numerous committees and leadership roles over nearly three decades. She has served on the WEF House of Delegates as both a delegate-at-large and, for a second term, as a delegate for CSWEA. She has also served on the House of Delegates Budget Committee, contributed to multiple HOD workgroups, served as a Community Leadership Council (CLC) Director, and participated in multiple task forces. In addition, she has been involved in several WEF communities, including Government Affairs, Utility Management, and the Program Community. Prior to her WEF leadership roles, Tracy held multiple leadership positions within CSWEA and received the WEF Arthur Sidney Bedell Award. Throughout her career, she has actively contributed to local, state, and national regulatory discussions. Collaboration has been central to her success in working alongside utilities and industry partners to evaluate scenarios that benefit the environment, communities, stakeholders, and the water sector. 

Tracy earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota and completed executive education through Vistage International at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She resides in Minnesota with her husband, who works for the state in natural-resources and forestry planning. They enjoy working and spending time outdoors with their two sons, who are employed as electrical and mechanical engineers. 

Keith L. Hobson, P.E, BCEE

Immediate Past-President

Keith L. Hobson is immediate past-president and a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA.

Hobson is the former president and CEO of Fox Engineering Associates and currently a project manager with FOX Strand in Ames, Iowa, with more than 40 years of experience in environmental engineering as a consultant in the field of environmental engineering for both municipal and industrial clients. He also served with Black & Veatch for more than 13 years and has been involved in the design of water and wastewater treatment facilities ranging in capacity from 2 mgd to over 400 mgd.

A WEF member since college, he served as WEF Treasurer 2019-2023, as speaker of the House of Delegates (HOD) in 2018-2019 and served for two terms on the HOD as a representative of the Iowa Water Environment Association (IAWEA) and as a delegate at large. He has served as chair or vice chair of several workgroups and committees of the HOD, as well as chair of the WEF Audit and Finance committees. He also serves on the WEF Government Affairs Committee.

Hobson has been an active member of IAWEA, serving on many committees, chairing the newsletter/publications committee and financial review committee, and consulting with IDNR on regulatory issues. He also served as chair of the newsletter committee for the Kansas WEA prior to moving to Iowa. He has authored many reports and presented technical papers on various topics in environmental engineering.

Hobson holds degrees in civil engineering from Iowa State University (B.S.) and University of Missouri-Columbia (M.S.). He is a Board-Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE) through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers. Keith is a registered professional engineer in Iowa and multiple other states. He is a recipient of the Arthur Sidney Bedell Award and the Kenneth J. Miller Founders Award.

Heather A. Cheslek

Treasurer

Heather A. Cheslek is treasurer and a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA. 

Heather A. Cheslek serves as Global Industrial Water Solution Leader and Associate Vice President at Black & Veatch. She brings more than 25 years of experience leading the planning, design, and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Throughout her career, Heather has managed major business portfolios, led multidisciplinary teams, and driven strategic growth across the municipal and industrial water sectors. Her executive leadership, business judgment, and experience managing large, complex programs provide the financial and strategic perspective essential for the Treasurer position. 

Ralph Erik Exton

Secretary and WEF Executive Director

Ralph Erik Exton became the Executive Director of the Water Environment Federation on July 15, 2024, and serves as Secretary of the WEF Board of Trustees and a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees. He joined WEF from Grundfos, where he served as the water utility vice president and chief marketing officer. With more than three decades of experience, Exton has held key positions at distinguished companies in the water sector, including Suez, Veolia, and GE Water & Process Technologies.

Exton’s dedication to WEF extends beyond his professional role. Prior to his appointment as executive director, he had been a committed volunteer for more than a decade, serving on WEF’s Board of Trustees for five years.

During his tenure as a WEF trustee, Exton held the position of Treasurer/Officer for three consecutive years and chaired the Audit Committee. He was also a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Board Committee and was nominated to the WEF Circular Water Economy Summit Advisory Committee. In recognition of his significant contributions, Exton was honored with the prestigious WEF Fellow Award in October 2023 for his commitment to advancing the global water environment.

In January 2024, Exton joined the board of The Water Tower, a global water innovation center focused on reimagining the future of water through applied research, technology innovation, workforce development, and industry engagement. He is also the co-founder and board director of Partnering for Impact, a not-for-profit platform that inspires influencers in the water sector to achieve sustainability and resiliency goals, drive equitable economic prosperity, encourage the next generation of professionals, create innovations, and build research and development capacity. Additionally, Exton was the founding co-chair of the AIChE International Society for Water Solutions from 2012-2014. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for BlueTech Research and the Accelerator Judging Team of Imagine H2O.

Exton earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1987. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainability of water, our most precious natural resource.

Eddie M. Abisaab

Trustee

Eddie M. Abisaab is a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA. 

Eddie M. Abisaab is Chief Operating Officer of Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) in Virginia. Recognized as a visionary utility executive, he has led organizational transformation, major infrastructure investments, and the development of high-performing teams. His ability to integrate engineering, operations, innovation, and long-term strategic planning has helped position HRSD to address future challenges through resilience, innovation, and collaboration. 

Brian Arnsten

Trustee

Brian Arnsten is a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA. 

Brian Arntsen is a globally recognized leader and innovator in the water and wastewater treatment industry, with more than 40 years of experience delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions across a wide range of industrial sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the Argentine Catholic University (UCA) in Buenos Aires, and a postgraduate degree in Business Management from I.A.E. Buenos Aires. Early in his career, Brian was motivated by a desire to apply his technical training in ways that would create meaningful impact, both for his clients and for the planet. That sense of purpose continues to drive his work today. 

Zonetta English

Trustee

Zonetta English is a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA. 

Zonetta E. English has over 30 years of experience in the Water Sector.  She serves as the Strategic Initiatives and Project Delivery Director for Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). She currently oversees strategic initiatives, implements company-wide innovation, advanced technologies and complex business processes. She directs the development of complex technical reports, presents findings and recommendations to MSD’s  Board, senior staff, the community and technical peer groups. She is currently leading development/implementation of Artificial Intelligence tools for MSD’s regional water quality treatment facilities.  She is also serving as the operations liaison for the Biosolids Processing Solution Project, the largest wastewater capital project in the history of the organization.    

In her role at MSD, Zonetta develops and directs strategic partnerships with the Water Research Foundation, Universities, Utility Partners and Global Technology Approval Organizations.  She serves the on the WRF Research Advisory Council (through 2026)  In 2026 she was appointed as the United States representative for the SWAN Utility Advisor Group (UAG). 

Zonetta has been an active member of WEF for over ten years.  In that time, she has rapidly increased her reach and impact in the organization, serving in leadership roles on several committees. She has served as the Chair of the Utility Management Community.  She has served on the Community Leadership Council as the Community of Practice Director of Resilience which supports the following communities:  Safety, Cybers, and Security, Small Systems Intelligent Water Technology and Utility Management.   She is also a member of the PFAS Focus Group of the Emerging Contaminant Community.  

Zonetta has been actively involved with WEF’s key partner, American Water Works Association.  She served on Water 2050 initiatives and is a member of  the Water Quality Laboratory Committee .  She was a contributing author of the recently published Manual of Water Supply Practices  M-12  Seventh  Edition and has co-authored several articles published in the Journal AWWA and Opflow.  

Zonetta has been an active member of the KY/TN Clean Water Professionals serving on the Membership Committee and chaired the Laboratory Practices Committee. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. The organization provides service to the community locally and national in terms of maternal health, education development, social justice, financial literacy and environmental sustainability.   

Zonetta holds a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, a Master’s in Business Administration and holds the designation of Associate Professional with the Design Build Institute of America. 

Andrea Hall, PHR, SHRM‑CP

Trustee

Andrea Hall, PHR, SHRM‑CP, is a globally minded HR executive and transformational leader, currently serving as Global Strategic HR Director at Thermo Fisher Scientific. In this role, she drives the integration of human capital strategies with core business objectives, while championing inclusive, empowered workplace cultures across global teams. 

Andrea brings a deep legacy of leadership within the Water Environment Federation (WEF), where she has served on the Governance Committee, Utility Management Committee, and Program Committee. Through these roles, she has been instrumental in governance, strategy, and sector-wide programming. A respected voice in the water sector, Andrea has also contributed thought leadership to the Water Research Foundation (WRF) and California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA), lending her expertise to initiatives that shape more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive utility systems. 

Her appointment to the WEF Board of Trustees reflects not only her strategic HR acumen but also her unwavering commitment to advancing resilient, future-focused leadership across the global water sector. 

Andrea holds a Business degree from Westminster University, as well as executive certifications in ESG and Sustainable Capitalism from UC Berkeley, and in EDI from Cornell University. Her work bridges industries, communities, and discipline, propelling sustainable, people-centered leadership at every level. 

Walid Khoury

Trustee

Walid Khoury is a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA. 

Khoury is the founder and CEO of Desalytics, a company established in 2020 to address water challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. With 25 years of experience in the water industry, Khoury has held leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, including GE Water & Process Technologies and Danaher Water Platform. His expertise spans commercial strategy, operational management and inclusive leadership, where he has successfully implemented sustainable growth strategies.

Khoury is a strong advocate for promoting diversity and empowering women in the water sector, believing that increasing female representation in leadership roles enhances innovation and better addresses the needs of diverse communities.

As a recognized speaker, thought leader and content creator, with a robust online presence and global network, Khoury is frequently invited to speak and moderate sessions at water industry conferences worldwide. Prior to being nominated to the WEF board of trustees, he served on the WEFTEC Advisory Committee for two years.

Khoury holds a master’s degree in management from Harvard University, Bachelor’s degree in Water and Environment Engineering and a Master’s degree in Water Sciences from Saint Joseph University.

Rasha Maal-Bared

Trustee

Rasha Maal-Bared is a member of the 2026-27 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, VA.

Maal-Bared is a principal scientist at the CDM Smith Bellevue Research and Testing Laboratories, where she oversees environmental microbiology and innovative water and wastewater treatment research and development projects. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Maal-Bared completed her doctorate in environmental microbiology at UBC and her two master’s degrees at the Harvard School of Public Health and Dalhousie University. She proudly chaired the WEF’s Community Leadership Council from 2023-2025. She lends her expertise to the editorial boards of Science of the Total Environment, Water Practice and Technology, and Data in Brief.

Maal-Bared was the recipient of several prestigious water industry awards, including the WEF 2020 Water Heroes Award, the 2023 Western Canada Water Analyst Excellence Award, and the 2020 US Empowering Women in Industry STEM Award. She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications.