Birmingham Water Works Board Appoints Retired Army General to Lead Search for New Manager

Birmingham Water Works Board Appoints New Search Leader

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In a significant development for the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB), retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess has been appointed to lead the search for a new general manager. This decision was announced during a meeting on Monday and marks the beginning of an important transition for the utility.

Focus on a National Search

Burgess, who has an extensive background in leadership, previously served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and held the position of chief operating officer at Auburn University. His vast experience is expected to guide the BWWB in securing a suitable candidate for the role of general manager.

During the announcement, Burgess emphasized that the board is prioritizing the quality of their selection over speed. “The focus of our process will be to get it right, not necessarily to do it fast,” he stated. Burgess further elaborated on the importance of the water works for the economic landscape of Birmingham and Jefferson County, saying, “As we move into the 21st century, and we look at the economic engine that is becoming Birmingham, Jefferson County and the surrounding areas, the water works is critical to the economic development and moving that forward.”

The Search Process

Under Burgess’s guidance, the BWWB plans to collaborate with Baker Tilly, a professional firm that specializes in executive searches. This will be the first time in the board’s history that an external national search will be conducted for this position. Burgess mentioned that the board will consider internal candidates, but the search will include a wide net, looking across the nation for the right fit.

The BWWB has indicated that they expect to have a candidate selected within the next six months. Darryl Jones is currently serving as the interim general manager, providing stability as the board navigates this transition period.

Why It Matters

The appointment of Burgess to lead this important effort reflects the BWWB’s intention to strengthen its leadership during a time of growth and change. With Birmingham emerging as an economic hub, ensuring reliable and effective water services is essential for the city’s continued development. “So we want to get it right for the individual that we select,” Burgess reiterated, highlighting the commitment of the board to finding the most qualified candidate for the role.

As the search for the new general manager unfolds, the community will be watching closely, eager to see how this decision will impact the Birmingham Water Works Board’s service and operations moving forward.