The Foundation's full-time staff of more than 40 employees includes professionals with expertise in biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, management, and communications. In addition to senior management, staff is divided into four units. Each unit is responsible for specific areas of the research process.

Senior Management

• Works closely with the Board of Trustees
• Responsible for strategic planning
• Oversees all programs
• Manages personnel
  • Rob Renner, Executive Director
  • Rick Karlin, Director of Subscriber Services
  • Jim Parone, Director of Administrative Services
  • Chris Rayburn, Director of Research Management
  • Jill Wisehart, Director of Communications and Marketing

Research Management Unit

• Plans, administers, and monitors the research projects sponsored by the Foundation
• Serves as the primary link with the water research community
• Coordinates all joint and cooperative programs
• Oversees contractors
• Reviews and edits research reports
• Preliminarily reviews and selects research proposals
• Coordinates the Research Advisory Council, Unsolicited Proposal Review Committee, and the Project Advisory Committees

Subscriber Services Unit

• Develops and promotes Foundation activities related to the subscription program
• Communicates directly with subscribers on important Foundation issues
• Maintains the membership database
• Coordinates billing
• Recruits new subscribers

Communications and Marketing Unit

• Ensures that the results of research efforts are effectively clarified for and made available to subscribers and other stakeholders in the water community
• Produces and distributes research reports and periodicals
• Organizes conferences and workshops
• Provides content and updates for the Foundation's Web site

Administrative Services Unit

• Manages the financial and administrative aspects of the Foundation's activities
• Prepares budgets
• Coordinates the Board of Trustees' Finance Committee
• Manages human resources and the computer network
• Provides clerical, board, and council support
• Maintains and updates the Foundation's Web site
• Maintains the Foundation's Content Management System