Dipal Shah Takes the Helm at DigDeep to Address Water Access Issues in the U.S.
In a significant move for the nonprofit sector, DigDeep has announced the appointment of Dipal Shah as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting on July 13, 2026. DigDeep, renowned for its mission to ensure access to clean, running water for every American household, is tackling an issue that affects millions and has long been overlooked. Shah succeeds George McGraw, the organization's founder, who made an impactful exit after nearly 15 years at the helm.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment as the urgency to solve the United States' water access crisis becomes increasingly pronounced. The organization has made tremendous strides over the past decade, providing clean water to over 10,000 individuals in underserved regions such as the Navajo Nation, Appalachia, and along the Texas-Mexico border. Shah's leadership arrives as the nation gears up to meet an unprecedented commitment: over 130 organizations from various sectors have united under the National Roadmap to Close the U.S. Water Gap by 2040, a collaborative effort powered by the Vessel Collective, of which DigDeep is a founding member.
In his role, Shah will expand on the groundwork laid by his predecessor. Steve McCormick, chair of DigDeep's Board of Directors, emphasized the critical nature of Shah's appointment during a time of ambitious national goals. He stated, “Dipal is exactly the leader DigDeep needs for this moment.” McCormick noted that the challenges of closing the water access gap demand someone with a proven background in scaling sustainable solutions and a genuine connection to community-driven work.
Shah, who possesses a robust legal background along with nonprofit leadership experience, most recently served as the Chief External Affairs and Programs Officer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. He managed extensive public affairs and community engagement initiatives there and oversaw advocacy efforts for a healthcare organization with a significant operational budget. His range of skills, spanning two decades, has included critical roles in organizations dedicated to justice and equity, making him well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
As he steps into the role at DigDeep, Shah expressed his passion for the organization’s mission and his commitment to uplift community-driven efforts, stating, “There is no right more foundational than access to clean water at home – and no moment more critical to act.”
Prior to his appointment at DigDeep, Shah held key positions at the Center for Justice Innovation, where he rose to prominence from the director of the Midtown Community Court to chief of staff, managing initiatives that served thousands of cases annually. His experiences in policy development and legal advocacy have provided him with insight and skills that are essential to navigate the complexities of water access issues across the United States.
Under Shah's guidance, DigDeep aims to deliver results that are not only efficient but also respect the dignity of the communities it serves. He is expected to drive crucial relationships with stakeholders throughout the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector while advocating for innovative solutions that prioritize impactful, community-based projects.
As he prepares for his leadership role, Shah will collaborate closely with Interim CEO Anne-Marie Jones, who has guided the organization in the interim and will continue to support its mission as president and COO by Shah’s side. This partnership is expected to solidify DigDeep's efforts toward narrowing the water access gap as it moves closer to meeting its 2040 goals.
In summary, Dipal Shah’s ascendance to the CEO position of DigDeep marks a stirring new chapter for the organization. It embodies hope and action against the backdrop of an issue demanding urgent attention, ensuring that access to clean water – a basic human right – becomes a reality for all Americans. For more information about DigDeep and its projects aimed at closing the water access gap, visit their official website at digdeep.org.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment as the urgency to solve the United States' water access crisis becomes increasingly pronounced. The organization has made tremendous strides over the past decade, providing clean water to over 10,000 individuals in underserved regions such as the Navajo Nation, Appalachia, and along the Texas-Mexico border. Shah's leadership arrives as the nation gears up to meet an unprecedented commitment: over 130 organizations from various sectors have united under the National Roadmap to Close the U.S. Water Gap by 2040, a collaborative effort powered by the Vessel Collective, of which DigDeep is a founding member.
In his role, Shah will expand on the groundwork laid by his predecessor. Steve McCormick, chair of DigDeep's Board of Directors, emphasized the critical nature of Shah's appointment during a time of ambitious national goals. He stated, “Dipal is exactly the leader DigDeep needs for this moment.” McCormick noted that the challenges of closing the water access gap demand someone with a proven background in scaling sustainable solutions and a genuine connection to community-driven work.
Shah, who possesses a robust legal background along with nonprofit leadership experience, most recently served as the Chief External Affairs and Programs Officer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. He managed extensive public affairs and community engagement initiatives there and oversaw advocacy efforts for a healthcare organization with a significant operational budget. His range of skills, spanning two decades, has included critical roles in organizations dedicated to justice and equity, making him well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
As he steps into the role at DigDeep, Shah expressed his passion for the organization’s mission and his commitment to uplift community-driven efforts, stating, “There is no right more foundational than access to clean water at home – and no moment more critical to act.”
Prior to his appointment at DigDeep, Shah held key positions at the Center for Justice Innovation, where he rose to prominence from the director of the Midtown Community Court to chief of staff, managing initiatives that served thousands of cases annually. His experiences in policy development and legal advocacy have provided him with insight and skills that are essential to navigate the complexities of water access issues across the United States.
Under Shah's guidance, DigDeep aims to deliver results that are not only efficient but also respect the dignity of the communities it serves. He is expected to drive crucial relationships with stakeholders throughout the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector while advocating for innovative solutions that prioritize impactful, community-based projects.
As he prepares for his leadership role, Shah will collaborate closely with Interim CEO Anne-Marie Jones, who has guided the organization in the interim and will continue to support its mission as president and COO by Shah’s side. This partnership is expected to solidify DigDeep's efforts toward narrowing the water access gap as it moves closer to meeting its 2040 goals.
In summary, Dipal Shah’s ascendance to the CEO position of DigDeep marks a stirring new chapter for the organization. It embodies hope and action against the backdrop of an issue demanding urgent attention, ensuring that access to clean water – a basic human right – becomes a reality for all Americans. For more information about DigDeep and its projects aimed at closing the water access gap, visit their official website at digdeep.org.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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