Institute of Water appoints new CEO Gabrielle Mandell

Institute of Water has appointed Gabrielle Mandell as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Gabrielle joined the Institute of Water on June 6^th, 2022, having worked for almost 30 years in the non-profit sector, in staff and volunteer roles.

When asked to share her thoughts on her new role, Gabrielle said “I am delighted to be embarking on this journey with the Institute of Water and to add my experience and skills to enabling our members to reach their full potential to drive the sector forward.

Along with a commitment to lifelong learning, I have a passion for organisational governance and development, gained over two decades of leadership experience in the non-profit sector.  Much of that time has been spent in staff and voluntary roles in membership organisations, in both the UK and Canada. 

An adoptive Geordie, I came to the UK in 2000 to lead the umbrella organisation of an international non-profit called CISV.  Over my 20 years in post, I helped to strengthen, develop and transform, equipping the organisation to grow and deliver its unique peace education programmes – to develop in young people and adult volunteers the attitudes, skills and knowledge to be active global citizens working toward a more just and peaceful world.

Most recently, I have worked to empower organisations through governance consulting and a number of volunteer board roles.

When I first read about IWater, I was intrigued by the mission and drawn to the possibility of contributing to the vital work of our sector.  I was also particularly struck by one of our values - “non-hierarchical”.  It’s not a term that you hear often, and it resonated strongly with me.  I believe in the power of collaborative and inclusive leadership -- that the best outcomes are those which truly reflect diverse perspectives, outcomes that we develop and achieve together.

Over the last month, I have been reading a great deal about IWater and the water sector.  I have a lot to learn and am so pleased to have had the chance to work with and learn from Lynn Cooper.  A big thank you to her and to the Board and to all of you for the work you do.”