INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT SAUM
Why do you choose to support Charleston Waterkeeper?
SS: Cummins has partnered with Charleston Waterkeeper for many years, creating meaningful opportunities for our employees to volunteer and support their local communities. Our shared values and commitment to water stewardship have made this partnership a great fit.
What is your favorite way to enjoy clean water?
SS: I enjoy spending time on the water with friends and family. Canoeing, kayaking, and waterskiing are some of my favorite ways to appreciate clean, healthy waterways.
Do you have a favorite waterway in Charleston or a memorable experience on the water?
SS: During my most recent visit to Charleston, the Charleston Waterkeeper team took us on a tour of Charleston harbor. Seeing the city from the water was memorable, and it was powerful to witness firsthand the impact the organization has made through water quality testing, habitat restoration, and strong advocacy for clean water across the region.
Why is environmental stewardship important to you and your team, and how does it show up in your work?
SS: Environmental stewardship is an integral part of Cummins’ Corporate Responsibility initiatives and to ensuring the communities where our employees work and live are better because Cummins is there. As a Corporate Responsibility leader, I have the privilege of leading Cummins Water Works, a strategic program focused on strengthening communities through sustainable water solutions and addressing the global water crisis. Through partnerships with local organizations, the program supports large-scale, high-impact water projects around the world. Cummins Water Works is also a key part of Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy, supporting our company’s goal to be net water positive in every region where we operate by 2030.
Tell us about the Stono River Project and what excites you most about the partnership.
SS: The Stono River Project is exciting because it creates meaningful opportunities to engage more Cummins employees while expanding the positive impact we can make in the surrounding community. Together with our partners, we are restoring shoreline, improving water quality, and enhancing habitat for multiple species.
What impact do you hope this project will have on the Stono River and surrounding community?
SS: I hope this project serves as a positive example of what’s possible through collaboration, and the tremendous impact that can be achieved when like‑minded organizations come together to support the surrounding community.
Tell us something interesting about yourself we might not know.
SS: People may not realize how global our work is. We currently have active water projects in 21 countries, and I recently traveled to China to visit partners and experience firsthand the impact these projects are having in local communities.
Scott Saum is the Corporate Responsibility Leader for Cummins Inc. and leads the Cummins Water Works initiative.
