Birmingham Looks to Find New Water Works Leadership
Community Engaged in Search for General Manager
In a recent discussion on the CBS 42 Morning News, Birmingham residents had the opportunity to hear from retired Army General Ron Burgess and board member Tereshia Huffman regarding a significant moment for the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB). The pair shared important details about the ongoing search for a new general manager of the utility, which serves a substantial community of over 700,000 people.
Seeking Expertise for a National Search
General Burgess, who has an impressive background as the former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and served as chief operating officer at Auburn University, discussed the need for a robust search process. He is making recommendations for the BWWB to enlist the help of the Baker Tilly consulting firm, a significant step as the utility embarks on its first-ever national search for a general manager.
“We want to bring in someone with the right skills and experience to lead us into the future,” Burgess emphasized. “This is an important role that not only impacts our water quality but also the community’s trust in our services.”
Interim Leadership in Place
As the search progresses, Darryl Jones will continue to serve as the interim general manager. His experience and knowledge of the utility operations provide some level of continuity during this transitional phase. With a timeline in place, the BWWB expects to hire a new general manager within the next six months.
Community Concerns and Hope for the Future
Residents of Birmingham have expressed various concerns regarding the integrity and efficiency of their water utility, especially in recent months. The role of the new general manager will be pivotal in addressing these concerns and ensuring the utility meets both regulatory standards and community needs.
“It’s a chance for us to really reevaluate how we operate and to ensure we get someone who understands our community’s needs,” Huffman noted during the broadcast. “The goal here is transparency and improvement of our water services.”
The Path Forward
The Birmingham Water Works Board has faced its share of challenges, and the selection of a new general manager is crucial to overcoming these obstacles. The community eagerly looks forward to the outcome of this search and the improvements it promises to bring.
Burgess and Huffman’s insights have provided helpful context for residents anxious about the future of their water services, highlighting both the need for qualified leadership and the importance of a collaboratively engaged community.
Conclusion
As Birmingham moves forward in this significant undertaking, the community remains hopeful for positive changes. With strong leadership on the horizon and a commitment to service, the Birmingham Water Works could emerge strengthened and more responsive to its customers’ needs in the near future.
