David Ponder is the Director of Climate Action at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. David leads efforts to address climate change, increase resilience, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the water sector. Prior to joining the Alliance, David worked for the Metropolitan Council, where he was responsible for managing sustainability initiatives such as greenhouse gas reporting, climate action planning, and ensuring infrastructure resilience while incorporating environmental justice considerations. David also worked as a Sustainability Consultant at Good Company, supporting decision-makers in the public and private sectors in improving sustainability outcomes. Earlier in his career, David worked as a grassroots organizer advocating for energy, environmental, and consumer issues. He is also the Chair of the Water Environment Federation’s GHG Focus Group. David holds a Master’s of Public Administration and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on sustainable development from Appalachian State University.