Ms. McCarthy has over twenty years of experience working internationally and specifically with the Middle East and North Africa region, more so in the GCC and specifically with Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority in water sustainability, research, and application of non-conventional water resource technologies. She has served the International Desalination Association as First Vice President, Chair of the Foundation and Public Outreach Committee, member of the Operations Committee, member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and champion for developing the IDA Sustainable Water Resources Foundation establishment process.

Before IDA, Ms. McCarthy served as a Partner of United4Water, a consulting firm operating in the water, food, and energy sectors, providing strategic advice and assistance in business development, project planning and management, capacity building, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility.

She has served as the Deputy Center Director of the Middle East Desalination Research Center, an international intergovernmental non-profit organization born through the Water Working Group of the Middle East Peace Process; she was based in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, with Diplomatic status. As part of the MEDRC start-up team, she participated in developing and implementing cooperation programs in education, training, and research for the Middle East and North Africa region, focusing on desalination and water reuse technologies. She has a strong record of mobilizing resources and bringing together government and private sector stakeholders to support education, scientific research, professional training programs, and specialized technology workshops and conferences on advanced treatment technologies for water sustainability.

Ms. McCarthy completed an executive study program related to Public Policy and Management for Infrastructure Development at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and holds a BA degree in International Relations, specializing in US–Soviet relations, from San Francisco State University.

She has lived and worked abroad for many years, focusing on water issues in the Middle East and North Africa region. She developed and participated in international programs, conferences, and sessions addressing the Water, Energy, and Food Nexus and Education and Capacity Building in non-conventional water supply technologies.