Alaina Harkness, CEO of Current and leader of Great Lakes ReNEW, is celebrated as a Hydro20 honoree for her transformative leadership in advancing circular water economy principles in the Great Lakes region, which holds 20% of the world’s fresh surface water.

Recognizing the historical lack of careful stewardship, Harkness drives sustainable solutions to manage water scarcity risks, powering economic opportunities through water innovation.

As a facilitator, she accelerates technologies to remove contaminants like PFAS and microplastics, recover critical minerals from industrial wastewater, and recycle wastewater, turning waste into wealth.

Harkness spearheaded H2NOW Chicago, the first real-time water quality monitoring system for the Chicago and Calumet rivers. Using novel sensors, it provides daily data during the recreational season, accessible via mobile devices, to inform the public about river conditions.

As leader of Great Lakes ReNEW, a $160 million, 10-year cooperative agreement backed by the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines Program, Harkness unites over 80 partners across six states to advance water sustainability and workforce development.

By fostering collaboration among innovation hubs in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois, she drives the region’s “blue economy,” supporting industries that rely on or contribute to water management. Her vision positions water innovation as a cornerstone of economic and environmental progress.

Alaina Harkness’s leadership in circular water economy initiatives and regional collaboration has earned her a well-deserved place among the Hydro20 honorees.