Mr. John Oldfield leads the efforts of WASH Advocates to increase awareness of the global WASH challenge and solutions, and to increase the amount and effectiveness of resources devoted to those solutions throughout the developing world. He believes strongly that the global safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene challenge is more solvable than it is difficult.
John’s previous experience with safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) comes from founding two implementing nonprofits in the sector, and his tenure as Executive Vice President with Water Advocates, an advocacy group in Washington, DC dedicated to increasing financial and political support for worldwide access to safe, affordable and sustainable supplies of drinking water and adequate sanitation.
Prior to Water Advocates John was a Vice President at a New York private equity firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and corporate divestitures. John has also been with The Conference Board, a New York-based economic research firm that produces the well-known Leading Economic Indicators and Consumer Confidence Index. While there he launched and managed two innovative online services, including a corporate training business.
Prior to The Conference Board, John was with the National Academy of Sciences, where he researched science, technology, and economic policy issues. He also has extensive international management experience with USAID and U.S. Department of State contracts, including training programs for election officials, civil society, and foreign media, as well as civil/military communication projects in post-conflict countries.