State
George S. Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water), is stepping down from his current position. He announced his intention to resign three months ago, stating that “This job has been the privilege of a lifetime…I am stepping back from a day-to-day role at a water utility, but I’m committed as ever to the future of the water sector.” Though he is leaving his post, he plans to write a book on the water sector whilst still serving on various councils and boards in the nonprofit and public sector, including the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and the US Water Alliance. “George Hawkins has given extraordinary service to the people of the District of Columbia and the entire region,” said Nicholas Majett, Vice Chair of the DC Water Board of Directors. “The Board is grateful for George’s eight years of leadership and looks forward to an orderly transition during his remaining months at DC Water.”
Municipal
Cities and Towns:
New York, NY – New York City Department of Education Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced that she will retire in 2018. Mayor Bill de Blasio asked Fariña to come out of retirement four years ago to run New York City’s schools. In a press release, Chancellor Fariña said, “Today, I want to share with you my plans to retire (again) in the coming months. As I begin to prepare to step down as Chancellor, I want to reflect on our accomplishments and thank you – the incredible New York City educators who have made the work more engaging, meaningful, and joyful. I think of each of you with gratitude as I read this line in ‘To Be Of Use’: ‘I want to be with people who submerge in the task.’ Submerging in the task with you has been an enormous gift.”
Philadelphia, PA – Scott Petri was hired as the new Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, effective January 2, 2018. He replaces Clarena Tolson who has been serving as Interim Director since October 2016. Petri currently serves as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In a press release, Board Chairman Joe Ashdale said, “The PPA of today is not the same agency that it was fifteen months ago. We have made a number of substantive and concrete changes to make the agency more efficient and transparent — including implementing over 80% of recommendations contained in a recent audit of the agency. With Scott Petri’s hiring today, we continue the process of further reforming this agency and improving our service to the people of this city.”
Counties and Authorities:
Port of Seattle – The port hired Rear Admiral Stephen Metruck as the new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2018. He replaces Dave Soike who has been serving as Interim Executive Director since February 2017. Metruck previously served as a U.S. Coast Guard Commander and has 34 years maritime experience. In a press release, Metruck said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to lead an organization with such significant economic impact for the region. Having served here before, I also know there is no better place in the country to live and work. I’m looking forward to being back.”
