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Eleanor Allen to Step Down from Water For People

DENVER, October 8, 2021 The Board of Directors of Water For People announced that CEO Eleanor Allen will step down from the global water, sanitation, and hygiene nonprofit in 2022 once a new CEO is hired. The search for a new CEO has begun. 

In her over six years of leadership, Ms. Allen spearheaded the growth of Water For People’s program portfolio, revenue, diversification of funders, and brand recognition. She successfully developed and completed a five-year strategic plan (2017-2021) that resulted in lasting quality water services for 4.67 million people in nine countries. Water For People recently launched an ambitious 10-year vision and strategy called Destination 2030. This new strategy was developed in concert with the Dutch nonprofit IRC through a formal alliance.

Eleanor has been a passionate champion of transforming the delivery of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene through localization of Water For People’s sustainable impact model called Everyone Forever. She is a leading voice for raising awareness for the global water and sanitation crisis around the world and promoting Water For People’s innovative and proven way to solve this crisis. She also has been a consistent advocate calling attention to the disproportionate impact that the lack of water and sanitation services has on women and girls around the world.

Ms. Allen will remain CEO until a new CEO is in place. At that point she will transition to be the Interim Chair of the Board to ensure a smooth transition. Water For People is at an inflection point with a new strategy, unprecedented growth, and a strong financial position. It is a good time for a new leader to take the helm and lead the organization through the implementation of its bold Destination 2030 strategy. Ms. Allen is taking time to explore and reflect on what her next role will be. The CEO position will be open for applicants on Water For People’s website in mid-November.

"In this time of COVID-19, global unrest, and escalating climate challenges, Water For People’s mission of promoting the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments is more important than ever," Ms. Allen said in announcing her departure to Water For People’s global employees. "We have an increasingly important role to play in leveraging our strong track record to positively impact more people living in vulnerable conditions globally." This is especially true as Water For People sets out to expand to more countries and leverage our deep experience. After a decade of intentional focus on developing and refining our impact model without changing geographical focus, Destination 2030 includes deliberate expansion to new countries.

"We are sad to lose Eleanor’s leadership and experience. Her unique skill set of private sector and global experience supported Water For People’s growth, professionalization, and innovation. We understand and support her desire to seek a new challenge and are thrilled she is willing to stay on as a board member," said Water For People Board Chair Bill Roe. "We know we can count on the strong Global Leadership Team that Eleanor has led to continue to drive Destination 2030 forward and advance Water For People’s efforts to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world."

About Water For People

Founded in 1991 in Denver, Colorado, Water For People is a global nonprofit working across nine countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa to achieve lasting access to clean water and sanitation services. Water For People brings together communities, local entrepreneurs, and governments to build, operate, and maintain their own systems so that every family, health clinic, and school has access to safe water and sanitation that will last for generations to come. This impact model is called Everyone Forever. Learn more at. www.waterforpeople.org.

Contact: Jody Carman, Director, Marketing & Communications  | [email protected]

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