Boston, Massachusetts, United States – March 05, 2025. The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) has announced the appointment of two distinguished professionals to further strengthen its Board of Directors. 

Mr. Rachid Ghamraoui, Vice President of BESIX Middle East, is appointed as the Comptroller and Chairperson of the IDRA Audit Committee, and Mr. John Hanula AIA, Senior Vice President-Growth and Innovation, Stantec, is appointed as the Editor, and Chairperson of the IDRA Publications Committee. 

Jon Freedman, President of IDRA, believes that the appointment of Mr. Ghamraoui and Mr. Hanula to the Board of Directors further enhances IDRA’s expertise and commitment to ensuring global best governance practices while advancing sustainable water solutions globally.

“We are delighted to welcome Rachid Ghamraoui and John Hanula to our Board of Directors. Their expertise will be instrumental in driving our mission forward, particularly in financial stewardship and strategic communication. These appointments underscore IDRA’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in addressing global water challenges,” Freedman said.

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) New Appointments:

Rachid Ghamraoui, Chairperson of the IDRA Audit Committee & Comptroller said, “Having been on boards for almost a decade I am honored by the appointment by the Board of the International Desalination Association as Comptroller to contribute to its mission of advancing sustainable water solutions. In a world facing growing water scarcity, IDRA’s role in promoting innovation and collaboration in desalination and water reuse is more critical than ever. I look forward to working alongside my esteemed colleagues to ensure financial and administration transparency and support the organization’s impactful initiatives.”

John Hanula, Chairperson & Editor of the IDRA Publications Committee said, “Having resided in southern California the past 35 years, reuse of our water is central to residents daily thinking. It’s been a privilege during this time to have also been part of thought-leading organizations like WRF, USC, Stantec, and now being asked to serve as a Board member for IDRA. I look forward to being able to continue to drive awareness through IDRA’s media publications, globally.”

About International Desalination and Reuse Association:

IDRA is a global organization connecting the desalination and water reuse community since 1973. With members in over 60 countries, we serve as a platform for professionals from various sectors, including science, engineering, government, and academia. (IDRA) is a U.S.-based (Delaware) non-profit 501(c)(6) organization and a recognized NGO with consultative status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). As a proud partner of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its WASAG Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture Initiative, IDRA also holds official status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was granted in November 2024. 

We are deeply committed to advancing the United Nations Water Action Agenda by fostering the development of technical solutions through research and innovation, capacity building, and pioneering regulatory frameworks. IDRA promotes sustainable project models and advocates for the seamless integration of desalination and water reuse into existing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) systems, supporting a more water-resilient and sustainable future. 

Our commitment as a UN-recognized NGO is to share knowledge of technical solutions to address the ever-growing demand for clean water for all.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: communications@idrawater.org.