Around the world, our network of dedicated staff and local partners make our work happen.
In the US, that includes our Board Chair, Board Members and Chief Executive.
Together, every decision they make ensures our work is efficient, effective and sustainable, and takes us closer to our goal: making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene a normal part of everyday life for everyone, everywhere.
Our mission
WaterAid transforms lives by improving access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities. We work with local partners and influence decision-makers to maximise our impact.

Making change happen on a global scale
WaterAid US is part of a global federation, alongside six other members: Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Sweden and the UK. Together, we work with partners around the world, including the Sukaar Foundation in Pakistan, who support girls with good hygiene practices.

Our history
We started in 1981, when several UK water companies came together at the Thirsty World Conference. Determined to find a solution to a global crisis that had left billions without water, toilets or hygiene, the idea for WaterAid was born.

Meet our Chief Executive
Kelly Parsons joined WaterAid in 2019. She holds a Masters in International Development from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. She started her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Guatemala. Before WaterAid, Parsons led the Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy team at Population Services International (PSI). Previously, she led the Marketing Leadership Council, a network of Fortune 500 marketing executives and served as CEO of Melcrum Inc., a corporate and employee communications startup.
Meet our Board Chair
Marc Robert became a WaterAid America Board member in 2012. He is a partner of Water Asset Management LLC , an investment partnership focused on investing globally in companies and resources that ensure water availability and quality and has spent over 25 years in the equity investment industry. Prior to joining Water Asset Management LLC, he was managing director at Morgan Stanley in New York and London. He is also the board chair of St. David’s School, a private boys K-8 school in New York City.