File Photo
Randy Olson shows CPW Commissioner Perry Williams some infrastructure being put in place during the utility's monthly public meeting.
File Photo
General Manager Jeff Tuttle has made organizational changes teaming up engineers and designers under Randy Olson for leadership and mentorship.
The move is in concert with the pending retirement of Randy Olson, who transitioned the utilities as interim general manager, while the search for a new GM was being conducted. Olson told commissioners his desire to retire, most likely in 2015, was not favorable to his seeking the general manager's vacancy.
"These moves are to leverage (Randy's) leadership, mentorship and planning aspects before he retires," Tuttle said.
Olson will lead the new Engineering and Planning department which is responsible for engineering, long-term system planning and expansion, project design and management, GIS, utility coordination, assist with system rehabilitation planning with each utility, and he will act as liaison with City and County planning functions.
Olson was the lead manager at CPW during the rapid construction of the Inland Port. CPW provided the infrastructure and maintains the port’s utilities.
Tuttle said Kevin Reardon will join Olson's department as Staff Engineer, John Odom is Manager GIS, and Tim Freeman is Electric Designer.
"Randy's exceptional leadership and planning expertise will be invaluable as we streamline and enhance our project planning, management and related-processes," Tuttle announced to the employees in a staff communication.
Brian Forrester will lead the Operation Support functions while continuing to manage IT and Measurement. Joining Forrester's department will be Blake Barbare as Manager Materials and Stefanie Hyder as Operations Coordinator. "The team will be looking at how CPW can enhance handling of after-hour calls, and focus leveraging technologies and process improvement to increase efficiencies," Tuttle stated.
David Hancock will lead the newly combined Water Distribution and Waste Water Treatment department. Joining Hancock will be Jerry Davis as Water Distribution Supervisor and Don Merritt, Waste Water Collection Supervisor.
Farrah Lister will assume the newly created position as Chief of Staff. Lister will take on additional responsibilities for strategic and business planning as well as special projects. She will continue to manage billing operations and provide executive office support.
Tuttle said some managers will report to him as additional responsibilities and effort to streamline the utility.
"We're trying to make CPW more efficient and responsive to our customers," Tuttle said.
Tuttle previously reduced the drive-thru window hours as more customers continue to pay their bills and conduct transactions online. At the commission’s August meeting he adjusted the fees at Lake Robinson and Lake Cunningham to bring them in line with comparable rates.