Bryan Stubbs

Bryan Stubbs is a leader at the intersection of water technology, environmental stewardship, and economic development. Stubbs brings more than 20 years of experience leading technologically and environmentally focused projects in Chicago, Silicon Valley, and Ohio. His career path includes building, scaling, and exiting several businesses before earning his MBA, then shifting to community-focused economic development. He worked with one of the first EDA-funded incubators, where he developed a passion for combining business with environmental responsibility. This experience led him to serve as managing director of the Oberlin Project, a partnership between the City of Oberlin and Oberlin College focused on creating a scalable model for urban development that achieves carbon neutrality and economic benefit.

Stubbs joined Cleveland Water Alliance as executive director, bringing a blend of entrepreneurial drive and dedication to environmental stewardship. As president and executive director, he oversees the development of one of the most effective water innovation clusters in North America. Stubbs has expanded the organization’s reach and impact around the idea that improving water quality through innovative technology and strengthening a regional economy are compatible goals. Under his leadership, Cleveland Water Alliance has established Lake Erie as the world’s largest digitally connected freshwater body, invested more than $10 million in infrastructure, and collaborated with industry leaders globally. The organization has also mobilized $5 million in investments from federal, state, and municipal supporters into its Water Accelerator Testbeds and has driven water economy job creation that outpaces advanced manufacturing, biohealth, and additive manufacturing sectors.

Stubbs has led initiatives that have elevated Cleveland’s profile in the global water sector. Under his leadership, Cleveland Water Alliance forged international partnerships, including a collaboration with Techwin, a South Korean company, making Avon Lake the first North American utility to pilot advanced water monitoring technology. He also launched the Freshwater Innovation Fund, which invests in early-stage water technologies to address critical water challenges. Stubbs serves as managing partner of the Freshwater Innovation Fund, a $25 million investment fund established by Cleveland Water Alliance. His work extends to policy, serving on the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee, which advises the Environmental Trade Working Group of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, through the Secretary of Commerce, on expanding U.S. exports of environmental technologies, goods, services, and products.

Stubbs regularly represents Cleveland Water Alliance on international stages. He has represented the organization at World Water-Tech in London, engaging with early-stage technology companies and innovators, and has joined panels on topics such as "Driving Climate Resiliency with Smart Infrastructure." He has also spoken at Aquatech Amsterdam and presented at the Water Innovation Nation Virtual Summit on water technology accelerators and pilot testing in the Great Lakes. Stubbs earned his BA from the University of Kansas, his MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and his executive MBA from the Presidio School of Sustainable Management.

Stubbs has been named to Crain's Power 150, an annual list highlighting influential leaders in Northeast Ohio. His work advancing water technology and economic growth in the region demonstrates his commitment to the sector. With Cleveland recognized as a global destination for freshwater innovation, Stubbs remains an authoritative voice on water technology, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.