Amazon's Kara Hurst Takes the Helm as Chair of Water.org Board

Kara Hurst Elected as Chair of Water.org's Board

In a significant move for both Water.org and the global sustainability landscape, Kara Hurst, who serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, has been appointed as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Water.org. This transition took place on January 9, 2026, as announced by the organization. As Hurst steps into her new role, she brings with her a wealth of experience in integrating sustainability into core business strategies, a crucial asset as Water.org continues its mission to provide safe water and sanitation solutions to families in need.

Gary White, the co-founder and CEO of Water.org, expressed his enthusiasm about Hurst's election, stating that her expertise in managing complex systems will be instrumental in driving the organization's objectives forward. According to White, Hurst's vast experience in scaling operations and aligning capital with impactful strategies will directly benefit Water.org as it seeks to expand its reach and effectiveness in alleviating water scarcity issues.

In her capacity at Amazon, Hurst's responsibilities include making sustainability part of essential business decisions and long-term strategies across a large and diverse corporate environment. This experience gives her a practical perspective as Water.org aims to remove financial and structural barriers hindering access to safe water and sanitation globally.

During her acceptance, Hurst shared her firm belief in the solvability of the global water crisis, emphasizing the need for directing funds efficiently to meet local needs. She stated, “Water.org works directly with people and communities, listening to local expertise and helping families access affordable financing for the water and sanitation solutions that work for them.” Her commitment to the cause highlights the importance of community involvement in tackling these systemic issues.

As Chair, Hurst's responsibilities will involve collaborating closely with Water.org’s leadership and board members to set strategic priorities and guide the organization in fulfilling its mission. This role will not only require setting clear accountability standards but also ensuring that Water.org remains focused on its overarching goal of achieving safe water and sanitation for everyone.

Founded by Gary White and actor Matt Damon, Water.org has transformed the lives of over 85 million individuals worldwide through its innovative market-driven solutions aimed at addressing the global water crisis. For three decades, the organization has been instrumental in providing hope for women, health for children, and brighter futures for families.

As Kara Hurst takes the reins, the organization looks forward to a new era of leadership that blends corporate sustainability practices with the humanitarian mission of providing essential water resources to those who need them most. Her election signifies a continued commitment to prioritizing safe water access, adapting to community needs, and leveraging business strategies for social good.

For more information about Water.org and their impactful work, visit Water.org.