Melissa Meeker
Chief Executive Officer
Melissa has over 25 years of experience in water resources management with an emphasis on alternative water supply research and development, workforce development, and public engagement. Melissa previously served as the CEO of The Water Research Foundation, Water Environment and Reuse Foundation, and WateReuse Association/Research Foundation and was instrumental in the merger of three critical water-related research foundations. She also served as Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District and Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Kristan VandenHeuvel
Director of Impact and Engagement
Kristan has over 10 years of experience in the water industry in research program planning, working with stakeholders and technical experts, project and grant management, as well as a passion for helping others understand the importance of water for every aspect of life. In her previous role at The Water Research Foundation (previously WE&RF and WRRF), she managed 40+ water reuse and desalination projects for the water community valued at over $15M.
Chris Impellitteri, Ph.D.
Director of Research & Development
Chris has over 20 years of experience in the water industry with a focus on critical drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and water reuse research. In his previous role as Associate National Program Director at the EPA Office of Research and Development's Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program, he led EPA research on water treatment and infrastructure that focused on comprehensive water management in support of EPA’s Program and Regional Offices and State partners for protecting water resources.
Chad Wilbanks
Director of Training and Technology
Chad has 20 years of experience in the water industry. He joins us from Gwinnett County DWR where he previously served as Wastewater Manager of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, Superintendent of the Crooked Creek WRF, and Pump Stations Section Manager. Prior to joining TWT, he also served as a subject matter expert for the training department where he developed specific training programs to help DWR's 600+ operations and maintenance staff not only pass their certifications, but hone their skills to maximize advancement opportunities.
Peggy Alexander
Office Manager
Peggy has extensive experience organizing and managing dynamic office environments for public, private, and nonprofit entities. She is responsible for overseeing office operations, administrative functions, paperwork management, and keeping the boss out of trouble.
Courtney Lee
Training Development and Events Specialist
Courtney has 10 years of experience in curriculum design, science instruction, and community collaboration. At TWT, she develops Continuing Education courses and coordinates events with key partners, collaborators, and members of the community. Courtney joins us from Gwinnett County Public Schools, where she was a chemistry teacher and curriculum curator.
TWT Interns
We have a terrific group of hardworking interns who are working on various projects in applied research, database management, social media marketing, and educational programming to support our mission.
Anna Impellitteri, Devi Dehaney, Brittany Fitts, Tyler McNeese, and Alexander Campbell
The Water Tower Diversity and Inclusion Policy
The Water Tower is committed to a diversity and inclusivity in all of our departments, programs, and facilities. All employees, volunteers, contractors, partners, visitors, and program participants must feel valued and respected whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory and equitable workplace and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments and programs. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.
We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the water industry nonprofit sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. To request a copy of the full policy, please contact admin@theh2otower.org.