Mami Hara is the CEO of the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Mami brings over three decades of experience in land and water management, advancing sustainable practices through cultivating leaders and partnerships, workforce development, inclusive community participation, science- and community-informed planning, and knowledge sharing. In her public sector and private practice roles, Mami has guided the planning and implementation of award-winning green infrastructure, sustainability, economic development, and waterfront programs across the United States.
Prior to serving at the Alliance, Mami was the general manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities, which provides solid waste, drainage, and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses, as well as drinking water for 1.4 million regional customers. Under her leadership, Seattle Public Utilities undertook the largest capital project ever delivered by the City of Seattle and significant improvements to its capital delivery processes, including incorporation of climate factors in design. Mami also served as first deputy commissioner of Philadelphia Water, where she helped with climate planning and shepherded the country’s largest green infrastructure program. She has been an advisor to several environmental, philanthropic, planning, and design advocacy organizations and has taught at PennDesign, Temple School of Architecture, and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT. Mami holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.