Pauli Undesser is an Executive Director of the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Pauli Undesser is a recognized leader with a vast knowledge of water treatment technologies, standards, codes and regulations, Pauli Undesser serves a dual role as Chief Executive Officer of the Water Quality Association and the Water Quality Research Foundation. She was named to the position in 2017, after 10 years with the association.

During her term as CEO, Undesser has overseen record growth of both WQA and WQRF, highlighted by the association’s 2021 move to a state-of-the-art new international headquarters and laboratory. As Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, she led WQA’s successful coordination of a coalition to re-write and simplify industry product certification laws in California, launched an unprecedented capital campaign for its foundation and developed an internal toxicology program.

Undesser earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2016 through the American Society of Association Executives. In 2016 she was named to the Association Forum’s “Forty Under 40” list., and in 2018, she was honored with the Association Forum’s Inspiring Leader award for establishing a workplace culture leading to employee satisfaction, motivation, engagement and achievement.

Formed in 1928, the Water Environment Federation® (WEF®) and its global network of Member Associations help provide water quality professionals with the latest in water quality education, training, and business opportunities. WEF’s diverse membership includes scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, plant managers and operators, and other professionals working in the United States and around the world. As a membership organization, WEF uses the collective knowledge of its membership to further a shared goal of improving water quality.