WaterEquity Welcomes Lauren Ferstandig as New President to Lead Growth Initiatives

WaterEquity Names Lauren Ferstandig as New President

KANSAS CITY, Mo., September 15, 2026 – WaterEquity has announced the appointment of Lauren Ferstandig as President, effective from October 1, 2026. This move comes as the company aims to strengthen its leadership in the global water and sanitation sector, vital for addressing the ongoing global crisis in these areas. Previously, Paul O'Connell held the roles of both President and CEO and will continue as CEO as WaterEquity embarks on its next chapter of growth.

A Strong Leadership Background

Lauren Ferstandig's entry into the leadership role is backed by her significant experience in institutional private credit and substantial impact investment. Since joining WaterEquity in April 2025 as Managing Director and Chief Strategy Officer, she has played an instrumental role in streamlining the investment process, enhancing deal origination, and strengthening pipeline execution. Further, she has been pivotal in developing innovative capital structures aimed at expanding WaterEquity’s investor base to meet the evolving market demands.

Paul O'Connell reflected on Lauren’s contributions, stating, “It has been a pleasure to work with Lauren since she joined us 18 months ago. She has already made a measurable impact on our operations and growth positioning, demonstrating creativity and energy that have delivered strong results.”

As President, Lauren will be responsible for overseeing the company’s business management and report directly to the Council of Directors, WaterEquity's main oversight body. In response to her appointment, Amy Bell, a Director on the Council, expressed confidence in Lauren’s ability to guide the firm through its next growth phase, saying, “Lauren's appointment formalizes our confidence in her capabilities.”

Building on a History of Impact

Before her tenure at WaterEquity, Lauren spent 11 years at The Nature Conservancy’s NatureVest, where she was involved in the organization’s impact investing efforts focusing on water and agricultural investments. During her time there, she oversaw the structuring and execution of significant investment funds across multiple continents, including Australia, Chile, the U.S., and Mexico.

Her experiences have not only positioned her well for the challenges at WaterEquity but have also allowed her to build a strong network and skills essential for advancing water and sanitation initiatives globally.

Lauren possesses a Master of Science in International Relations from the London School of Economics, where her research centered on transboundary water agreements in East Africa. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Literature from Middlebury College and a Business and Finance Certificate from Columbia University, showcasing a broad foundation of knowledge critical to her new role.

The Future of WaterEquity

With her extensive expertise in managing high-impact investments associated with water and sanitation, Lauren aims to drive WaterEquity’s mission to deepen its investment capabilities. She envisions developing new products that will attract more institutional capital into this critical sector. In her own words, “Water is gaining recognition as an area of real value, and WaterEquity is well positioned to help meet that need. We have been focusing on investing in water and sanitation for a decade, particularly concerning Sustainable Development Goal 6. Our strong collaboration with Water.org enhances our mission.”

As WaterEquity looks toward the future, Lauren Ferstandig's leadership is expected to enhance its commitment to providing safe water and sanitation solutions to low-income communities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Since its inception, the company has directed over $563 million towards improving access to clean water and sanitation, impacting the lives of over 10 million individuals.

WaterEquity, co-founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, embodies a dedicated approach to solving pressing global issues in collaboration with stakeholders. With Lauren's strategic direction, the company is set to continue its vital work, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable world where everyone has access to clean and safe water.

For more information about WaterEquity and its initiatives, visit WaterEquity.com.