CIWEM President


CIWEM’s president has an ambassadorial role representing all CIWEM members, with the Early Careers President specifically advocating for early career professionals.

Elected each year on a 12-month term, they are supported by the immediate past and future presidents, providing continuity.

The president helps promote the institution, awards excellence among the CIWEM membership each term and represents the water and environmental profession in the UK and around the world.

In 2025, we welcome John Curtin as CIWEM’s 39th President, and Emily Blaney as CIWEM’s Early Careers President.

John Curtin

2025/2026
CIWEM President

Emily Blaney

2025/2026
CIWEM Early Careers President


Green Roots, Growing Prosperity – why climate and environmental resilience supports the government’s growth agenda

For the 2025/26 presidential year, CIWEM will spearhead a movement to reframe environmental action as a driver of prosperity. We will:

  • Showcase Success: Highlight projects where green infrastructure and nature-based solutions have delivered measurable economic and social benefits, from flood-resilient towns to urban green spaces boosting local economies.

  • Celebrate Excellence: Champion the achievements of our members by showcasing their innovations, leadership, and impact - from transformative projects to the fresh ideas of early career professionals.

  • Engage Communities: Restore public support by connecting environmental solutions to tangible improvements in quality of life, health, and opportunity.

  • Influence Policy: Advocate for legislation that integrates environmental and economic goals, ensuring sustainable growth benefits all communities, especially the most vulnerable.

  • Empower Professionals: Equip CIWEM members with tools, case studies, and platforms to lead this narrative shift, positioning environmental expertise as essential to national prosperity.

Find out more about the theme and our new presidents:


About CIWEM's President

“I started my career in water and environment management in the early 1990s as a hydrologist and central to my development – both technically and personally – has been CIWEM.


It’s a deep personal honour to be taking on the Presidency of CIWEM. And it’s quite a year to do it. Trying to rebuild the narrative about how important it is to work with nature to foster the nation’s prosperity, rather than viewing it as a threat will be central to my efforts this year.


I’m also constantly astounded by the amazing work our members do – across so many sectors – and look forward to learning more from them and magnifying their inspirational stories.”


You can get in touch with John by email: president@ciwem.org.


About CIWEM's Early Careers President:

“I am honoured to be appointed as the next Early Careers President of CIWEM. I am deeply passionate about the water and environment sector, particularly its future, which lies in the hands of our Early Careers Professionals. It will be a privilege to champion and amplify their voices.


CIWEM has played a significant role in my career and professional development. From joining as a graduate member to becoming chartered last year, the organisation’s events, webinars, and local branch activities have been invaluable for building networks and expanding my knowledge of the sector. I am proud to be part of CIWEM and its global community dedicated to improving water and the environment.”


You can get in touch with Emily by email: earlycareerspresident@ciwem.org.




Look out for updates from the presidential team in the news section of this website, in addition to the CIWEM newsletters, LinkedIn page, and The Environment Magazine.


Governance

CIWEM has a history of working in environmental management dating back to 1895. Since then, our members have been the leading practitioners in improving the quality and management of water and the environment. Learn more about our Trustee Board.

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Our Communities

We provide a forum for professional debate and the opportunity for members to meet and socialise through a strong network of local branches and groups. You can drive knowledge and best practice by getting involved with our special interest groups.

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