The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has a 123 year history steeped in tradition, and another chapter has begun as a new Board of Commissioners was installed last week and held its first official meeting.
MWRD Vice President Barbara McGowan, who has served on the Board since 1998, is now the Acting President since Terrence J. O’Brien retired in late November. President McGowan will be filling in until a replacement is selected at the first Board meeting in January.
“It is an honor and privilege to lead this important body during this transitional phase until the election of the new president in January,” said President McGowan. “The former President left big shoes to fill, and I am happy to step in.”
New Commissioners Kari Steele and Patrick Daley Thompson joined returning Commissioner Debra Shore and the six other members at the Dec. 6 regular meeting. Commissioners are elected at large and serve six year terms. The team of nine will elect the President, Vice President and Chairman of Finance.
Commissioner Shore looks forward to continuing the work in which she has engaged in the past six years. “This agency has a vital role to play in protecting our water resources, and I am so privileged to play a part in it,” said Commissioner Shore. “My admiration and respect for my new and current colleagues continues to grow.”
Commissioner Steele worked for the MWRD earlier in her career and said that she was excited about starting her new post. “I am happy to be joining a dynamic organization that is at the forefront of environmental stewardship in the Chicago region,” Commissioner Steele said. “I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and the MWRD staff to ensure the continuity of stormwater and wastewater management services to all of our communities.”
Commissioner Thompson recognizes that the Board will have numerous decisions to make as the agency forges its path into the future. “There are many pressing issues at hand in regards to the water environment,” Commissioner Thompson said. “I’m glad to have joined the Board at this pivotal time. The decisions we make today will have a far reaching impact.”
The next board meeting is set for December 20, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Our water environment…Take it personally!
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