Shannon McCarthy
President - Italy
Ms. McCarthy has over 20 years experience working internationally and specifically with the Middle East and North Africa region, more so in the GCC and specifically with Jordan, Israel and Palestinian Authority in the field of water sustainability, research and application of non-conventional water resource technologies. She has served the International Desalination Association in the role of First Vice President, Chair of the Foundation and Public Outreach Committee, member of the Operations Committee, member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and champion for the development of the IDA Sustainable Water Resources Foundation establishment process.
Prior to IDA, Ms. McCarthy, served as a Partner of United4Water, a consulting firm operating in the water, food and energy sectors, providing strategic advice and assistance in business development, project planning and management, capacity building, environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.
She was the Deputy Center Director of the Middle East Desalination Research Center, an international intergovernmental non-profit organization, born through the Water Working Group of the Middle East Peace Process and based in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman with Diplomatic status. She has a strong record of mobilizing resources and bringing together stakeholders from both government and the private sector to support education, scientific research, professional training programs, and specialized technology workshops and conferences related to advanced treatment technologies and water sustainability.
Ms. McCarthy completed an executive study program related to Public Policy and Management for Infrastructure Development at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and holds a BA degree in International Relations, specializing in US – Soviet relations, from San Francisco State University.