Carollo Engineers’ Paul J. Schuler named Water Environment Federation president

Outgoing WEF President Keith Hobson (left) passes the ceremonial gavel to incoming WEF President Paul J. Schuler (right). Photo courtesy of Water Environment Federation/Corpora Studios.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Oct. 6, 2026 – Carollo Engineers, North America’s premier water engineering and consulting firm, congratulates Paul J. Schuler as he begins his one-year term as president of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) following WEFTEC 2026.

WEF is a not-for-profit organization of more than 31,000 individual members and 77 affiliated Member Associations that brings together water professionals from around the world to advance innovation, professional development, and solutions supporting human and environmental well-being.

Schuler brings more than three decades of leadership experience across the water sector. He began his career at Carollo as a project engineer and has since held senior executive positions with leading global water technology and infrastructure organizations, helping advance innovative approaches to water treatment, resource recovery, business strategy, and industry growth. A licensed professional engineer, he rejoined Carollo in 2024 as senior vice president and strategic advisor.

New WEF President Has Deep Roots in the Water Community

Schuler’s involvement with WEF spans 30 years, including terms as vice president and president-elect on the Board of Trustees. He has also served the water community closer to home, as a past president of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association and as a current elected commissioner of the West Slope Water District in his hometown of Portland.

“It has been an honor to serve as WEF president, and I am excited to see Paul take on this important leadership role,” said Keith Hobson, outgoing WEF president. “Paul’s dedication to the water profession and his collaborative approach to leadership have earned the respect of colleagues and peers throughout the industry. His selection as WEF president reflects a career spent helping utilities address some of their most important challenges. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation and service, and I look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make as he helps guide WEF and the profession in the year ahead.”

In succeeding Keith Hobson, Schuler will continue championing the One Water vision through WEF’s Circular Water Economy framework, while helping advance technical excellence and collaboration across the global water community.

“I am honored to serve as president of WEF and to work alongside the many dedicated professionals who contribute their time, expertise, and passion to the organization,” said Schuler. “The water sector continues to face both significant challenges and tremendous opportunities for innovation. I look forward to helping advance WEF’s mission and supporting the professionals who are working every day to protect public health and the environment.”

###

Media Contact:
Cameron McWilliam
Senior Public Relations Manager // Carollo
[email protected]