Keynote Session
Monday, November 10, 2025
The keynote session is the official opening of the conference!
With the welcome address, presentation of IWC Awards and a panel discussion.
IWC General Chair, Ivan Morales
Panel Discussion
The Download on Data Centers: Where Virtual and Reality Meet
The purpose of this session is to open up a critical conversation about the current landscape of data center development and operation in the U.S., particularly focusing on the challenges, technologies, and regulatory hurdles that developers, operators, and municipalities face regarding water management. As data centers are rapidly designed and built to meet growing demands, the knowledge base surrounding sustainable water use has not been fully captured or shared within the community.
In this panel, we’ll bring together a diverse group of key players from various sectors within the data center industry, including perspectives from big tech, developers, and the community, to offer their unique perspectives. This conversation is timely and essential since the race to get data centers operational is fast-paced, and the water-use side is such a big part of it. This panel aims to serve as a cohesive space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore innovative solutions for more sustainable data center practices.
Each panelist will have 3-5 minutes to present their perspective on data center development, followed by a roundtable discussion where various topics will be examined.
Our aim is to provide attendees with practical insights into the complexities and decision-making processes behind these massive infrastructure projects.
Panelists:
John Ikeda (Moderator), Water Environment Federation, Chief Mission Officer
John Ikeda is the Chief Mission Officer for Water Environment Federation (WEF), a leading member association for the water sector, representing over 31,000 water professionals around the world. Mr. Ikeda is responsible for WEF’s portfolio of technical programs and volunteer expert communities. A global expert on finance, policy, and regulation for water, he was previously Practice Leader for water at Castalia, a strategy consulting firm for the infrastructure sectors. Mr. Ikeda also worked in the World Bank’s Global Water Practice, where his focus was on private investment in water infrastructure. He holds a masters’ degree in economics and public policy from Harvard University, as well as an MBA in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Lindsay Swain, Meta, Water Strategy SME
Lindsay Swain is a dedicated Water Strategy Manager at Meta, where she leverages her extensive background in civil engineering and water management. With a robust career spanning various roles in the water and wastewater sector, she has cultivated a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills. As an Executive Board Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers in Virginia, Lindsay actively contributes to advancing the engineering profession. Lindsay holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Virginia Tech, reflecting her diverse academic background. She is passionate about sustainability and innovation in water management practices, aiming to implement cutting-edge solutions in her field. Lindsay’s commitment to professional development and community engagement sets her apart as a leader in her industry.
Ken Slota, PCL Construction, Director – Industrial and Manufacturing Water Group
As a U.S. Navy veteran, Ken found a similar camaraderie in the construction industry after his service. With a master’s in civil engineering, he spent five years as an engineering consultant before joining PCL Construction. Over the past 28 years, Slota has led major water infrastructure projects, earning a reputation for integrity and ethical leadership through his exceptional management and problem-solving skills. He has become a leading expert on design-build project delivery in the data center industry.
Carrie Jennings, Ph.D., Freshwater, Research and Policy Director
Carrie joined Freshwater in 2016. She has been a field geologist for 24 years, 22 of those with the Minnesota Geological Survey and two with the DNR, Division of Lands and Minerals. Carrie is Adjunct Graduate Faculty at the U of M and was the science reports lead for the County Geologic Atlas program at the DNR. She applies her understanding of glacial geology and landscape evolution to shape policy and technical approaches for managing surface water and groundwater, avoiding hazards, and using resources wisely. Carrie and her husband live on a 120-acre farm which is primarily in a permanent conservation easement through the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Program.
Dr. Shaolei Ren, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Riverside
Shaolei Ren’s research broadly focuses on developing algorithmic foundations and empirical methodologies to address grand challenges in AI and society. His work has shaped AI governance frameworks adopted by organizations including UNESCO and WHO, and has also driven industry innovation, such as the development of the first real-time water footprint reporting tool for computing. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award (2015) and several paper awards, including at ACM e-Energy (2024, 2016) and IEEE ICC (2016). He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.