ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Aug. 12, 2025 –The WEF Fellows program—like those at universities and other professional associations—was established to honor members who demonstrate outstanding achievement and make a lasting impact on the water sector. Since 2009, criteria have recognized individual members for professional excellence, leadership, and contributions to preserving and advancing the global water environment across design and consulting, education, operations, regulation, research, and utility management. Equally important is their service to WEF and its Member Associations.
“WEF Fellows are recognized leaders in the water sector who have positively impacted people and the planet through their work,” said Ralph Exton, Executive Director at the Water Environment Federation and WEF Fellow. “They inspire all of us to work together for a more sustainable water future. Congratulations to all this year’s Fellows!”
The distinguished title of WEF Fellow is awarded selectively through a rigorous application review process. We are proud to announce that the following 15 members have been named Fellows in 2025 for their enduring contributions to public health and the environment.
James R. Barsanti
With nearly 40 years of experience in engineering, regulation, and public works, James Barsanti is a Senior Associate at Hazen and Sawyer and a longtime WEF and NEWEA leader. He is widely recognized for his technical expertise, mentorship, and dedication to advancing infrastructure, operator training, and inclusive leadership in the water sector.
Katherine Bell
Dr. Katherine (Kati) Bell, of Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee, is Global Director of Technology and Innovation at Hazen and Sawyer, with over 25 years of expertise in water reuse, disinfection, and emerging contaminants. A past president of the International UV Association, she is also an active WEF and WateReuse leader, author, and adjunct professor
Todd Boling
Todd Boling, of the Nebraska Water Environment Association, has advanced wastewater education and professional development through his leadership in WEF’s training initiatives, House of Delegates, and governance committees. Currently Chair of WEF’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee, he is recognized for his lasting impact on operator training, organizational leadership, and industry collaboration.
Patrick Bradley
Patrick Bradley, with the Virginia Water Environment Association, has dedicated decades to advancing water policy and stormwater management through WEF and VWEA leadership. A respected author and presenter, he has shaped national legislative priorities and contributed extensively to WEFTEC and other technical programming.
Jay M. Brady
Jay Brady, PE, with the Iowa Water Environment Association, is a nationally recognized environmental engineer and leader in sustainable infrastructure with more than 35 years of service. A past IAWEA president and WEF delegate, he is known for his award-winning projects, teaching, and mentorship of future engineers.
Shellie Chard
Shellie Char, with of Oklahoma WEA, is a nationally recognized leader in water quality, respected for advancing practical, science-based solutions and fostering collaboration across the sector. With over 20 years of impact, she has served on the WEF Board of Trustees, earned WEF’s Volunteer Service Award, and received WEF’s Arthur Sidney Bedell Award for her leadership and dedication to the profession.
Scott Cummings
With more than 35 years in water and wastewater regulation, Scott Cummings, of the Alabama Water Environment Association, has held influential roles in Alabama’s WEA and WEF governance. A former WEF Trustee and active policy leader, he has shaped biosolids, stormwater, and government affairs initiatives across the sector.
Tom Galeziewski, P.E.
Tom Galeziewski, with the AZ Water Association, has over 40 years of experience delivering advanced water treatment and infrastructure projects across Arizona and nationwide. A past AZ Water president and WEF delegate, he is recognized for his technical expertise, leadership, and volunteer service.
Dr. Graham J.G. Juby, PhD, PE
Dr. Graham Juby, of the California Water Environment Association, and Vice President at Carollo Engineers, is a pioneer in membrane bioreactors, brine management, and advanced reuse processes with more than 40 years of innovation. A prolific author and WEFTEC contributor, he has mentored a new generation of engineers in water reuse
Daniel Murray
Daniel Murray, of the Ohio Water Environment Association, is a retired EPA leader, has influenced water policy and technology transfer nationally and internationally, earning multiple EPA awards including a Gold Medal for exceptional service. A longtime Ohio WEA and WEF volunteer, he is also recognized for his mentorship, publications, and service to a range of professional societies.
Dr. Diego Rosso
Dr. Diego Rosso, of the California Water Environment Association, is an internationally recognized researcher and educator specializing in oxygen transfer, energy management, and process modeling in wastewater treatment. A recent WEF Board of Trustees member and conference leader, he is also known for his global academic collaborations and advocacy through music and charity.
Richard R. Roll
Richard (Rick) Roll, PE, of the New York Water Environment Association, served 30 years with the Niagara Falls Water Board, where he led landmark infrastructure projects and built a reputation as a respected engineer and mentor. A published WEF contributor and active NYWEA leader, he is celebrated for his technical expertise, humility, and dedication to education.
Jeff Sober, PE, BCEE
Jeff Sober, of the Water Environment Association of Texas, is a process engineer, consultant, and water quality leader whose career spans operations, research, and organizational leadership. A past WEAT president, author, and mentor, he is recognized for advancing preliminary treatment processes and growing his consulting practice while supporting his community.
Louis V. Storino, PE, BCEE
Lou Storino, of the Illinois Water Environment Association, is Section Manager at MWRD Chicago, has nearly 30 years of expertise managing deep tunnel, interceptor, and reservoir systems, including the award-winning Thornton Reservoir. A longtime WEF and IWEA leader, he is committed to global knowledge-sharing, student engagement, and mentoring the next generation.
Robert Villee
Rob Villee, of the New Jersey Water Environment Association, has nearly 50 years of experience in municipal collection system management, including 25 years as Executive Director of the Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority. A national leader on flushability standards and a longtime WEF and NJWEA volunteer, he is known for his technical expertise, mentorship, and service to the profession.
For more info on other WEF awards, visit https://www.wef.org/award-recipients.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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.