Heather Cheslek, associate vice president and industrial water execution leader at Black & Veatch, has been appointed treasurer of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), one of the water sector’s most influential professional organizations. Cheslek will officially assume the role on the organization’s board after WEFTEC 2026 later this month.
Confirmed by WEF’s House of Delegates on July 15, Cheslek joins the federation’s leadership team after years of service and engagement with the organization and the broader water community. A practicing engineer with more than 27 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to helping clients solve complex water and wastewater challenges while advancing industrywide innovation and sustainability.
WEF is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated member associations (MAs) representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. WEF and its global network of members and member associations provide water quality professionals around the world with the latest in water quality education, training and business opportunities.
Her longstanding leadership and contributions to WEF, the Indiana Water Environment Association and the Michigan Water Environment Association as well as other professional organizations reflects her commitment to strengthening and shaping the future of water.
Cheslek is part of the company's industrial water team supporting lifecycle water, wastewater and stormwater projects that help commercial and industrial clients have the necessary water for their business needs. The industrial water team rolls into the integrated water and environmental solutions business led by Donnie Ginn.
“Heather’s appointment reflects exceptional leadership, technical expertise and dedication to the water profession,” said Ginn, executive vice president of Black & Veatch's integrated water and environmental business. “Her service on the WEF board reinforces Black & Veatch’s commitment to supporting the professional communities that advance the water industry.”
The integrated water and environmental solutions business includes services across municipal and industrial water systems, wastewater treatment, reuse, desalination, environmental remediation, permitting, compliance and nature-based solutions. These capabilities are increasingly deployed as part of broader energy, fuels, mining, manufacturing and industrial infrastructure programs, helping clients address water challenges across the entire asset lifecycle.
