(Re)introducing karen frost
On June 2, Karen Frost took over leadership of The Water Council as executive director. But Karen’s roots with the organization go back a decade, when she was hired as director of small business development, later becoming vice president of economic development and innovation. Here’s a chance to learn more about Karen, whether you’re just meeting her or have known her for many years.
How did you get involved in the water technology sector?
My role with The Water Council was my first exposure to the water technology industry, having come from an economic development and grants management background combined with a Business Marketing degree. Over time, I’ve expanded my knowledge and network in the industry, especially in the water technology innovation area, to where I can facilitate meaningful industry connections with my “inch deep and mile wide” perspective. It is a fascinating and dynamic industry that I am excited to contribute to every day. And while I don’t bring a technical perspective, I am a great facilitator, matchmaker and industry partner.
What are your proudest milestones in your decade with The Water Council?
I am particularly pleased with the changes and advancements in our innovation programs under my leadership the past five years. Going from a traditional accelerator program to a growth-focused, late-stage support program serving companies from across the globe – BREW 2.0 – has been invigorating. My work supporting companies outside the U.S. to advance their growth goals has also been very gratifying. And lastly, we don’t do our work alone, so the national and global partners in our network are of utmost importance. I’m glad to have been part of growing and nurturing those partners.
Where do you see The Water Council headed in the coming years?
I’d like to see The Water Council strategically expand our innovation impact through increased innovation sponsor engagement and program enhancement or expansion. It’s also important to more closely integrate our stewardship program, WAVE, with our innovation side so we can connect companies looking to improve their water stewardship with water technology solutions and innovators. Our international partners and economic development efforts will continue to provide opportunities for the region as we expand our strategic national and global partnerships., Last but not least, our members will remain a focal point, as they are the backbone of everything we do.
Why is The Water Council important to Milwaukee and to the world?
We are home grown in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin but with a global focus. Our role in the global water technology marketplace is to serve as a connector linking emerging technologies solving water quality and quantity issues with our programs, our local region, and with and among our members. This way, our sector here in Wisconsin will continue to benefit from The Water Council programs, partners, connections and innovation pipeline, and so will the rest of the water technology sector worldwide.
