Julie L. Labonte, P.E.

Julie serves as global water program management director, bringing more than 35 years of experience leading complex water infrastructure programs across the United States and internationally. Throughout her career, she has delivered more than $25 billion in water, wastewater and recycled water programs, partnering with utilities and public agencies to advance critical infrastructure investments with discipline, certainty and a long-term vision. 

She has led some of the largest and most complex water capital programs in North America, serving both as an owner and consultant. Her experience working for one of the nation’s largest utilities for nearly half her career gives her a unique, firsthand understanding of client priorities from regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement to funding strategy and process optimization. She provides strategic guidance across the full program life cycle, helping agencies navigate risk, manage complexity and align infrastructure delivery with community goals. 

Recognized as one of the water industry’s leading program management experts, Julie was honored by the American Society of Civil Engineers as the Public Sector Engineer of the Year in the United States. Beyond her professional work, she is committed to advancing the next generation of leaders and expanding access to safe water globally, supporting initiatives in Africa through Water For People and serving on the UC Berkeley Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Council.