Chairman Verlon Persinger's Address to MWWC Members About the Future of the Organization

First of all, I want to state that Sandi is not riding off into the sunset anytime in the immediate future. She has, however, notified the Board that her retirement is on the horizon. I want to start off by officially thanking Sandi Miller, MWWC’s Executive Director, for her many years of dedicated leadership to the MWWC and for continuing the work of Bob Miller. Sandi, Bob, and many others throughout the years have dedicated themselves to serving the training needs of water and wastewater operators.  As we look to the future, the primary goal is to continue the tradition of the MWWC as the operator’s training organization.
 
Change is not a bad thing; in fact, it is inevitable as everyone is subject to not having shared ownership in the proverbial Foundation of Youth. As I sit here writing this address, I too must admit that I have a set date in mind for taking leave and “riding off into the sunset.”  Therefore, personally, I am working on a progression plan for myself as Division Manager for Alliance Water Resources. My plan includes training my direct reports with the knowledge required to perform their duties to the best of their ability. I am also sharing what it might be for them to step up as the next Division Manager when I reach my preset retirement date sometime in the future. That same process will be required as the Board of Directors looks to guide the MWWC into the future.
 
The Board is looking at all possible avenues and scenarios including but not limited to hiring a new executive director or entering into an agreement with an outside firm to oversee the operations of the MWWC and provide needed support in the areas that Sandi currently over sees.
 
Many of you might hear discussions from various members on the process that the Board is looking into and to that end, I would welcome your input on your thoughts and concerns. I will make sure to provide your comments to the Board of Directors as we venture into the unknown realms of leadership as the Board tries to answer the questions of Where Do We Go from Here and What will the MWWC look like in the future.
 
Finally, I again want to send out a B-I-G shout-out to Sandi and Leslie as they keep the organization running, coordinate with MDNR and instructors to provide operator training, and are looking out for the future of the MWWC organization. Thank you both, Sandi and Leslie, for what you have done and continue to do.
 
As a last thought, please consider serving your sections as officers and/or on planning committees and even serving on the State Board if your time and dedication allows. Thanks to each of you for what you do daily to keep your communities safe.
 
Verlon W. Persinger, MWWC Chairman
[email protected]