In the wake of anticipated changes in the governing structure of the Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority, General Manager Stephen Hogan is leaving to take a similar position in Kentucky.
WASA Division Manager of Operations Susan Lee has been appointed interim general manager. Photo/Submitted.
The WASA board has appointed Division Manager of Operations Susan Lee as interim general manager.
The City Council has indicated it intends to take charge of the authority via local legislation likely to be introduced in the General Assembly in January.
WASA board members received Hogan’s resignation following the November board meeting, when Hogan announced he would be leaving to accept the chief executive position for a larger utility in Kentucky, said WASA spokesman Chris Wood.
“We are pleased to have someone like Susan on staff, with the experience to serve as interim general manager,” said WASA Chairman Bill Holland. “Working in this capacity, she replaces someone who has faithfully served the authority for eight years. We wish Stephen well in his future endeavors.”
Hogan was hired as general manager in August 2009. Prior to that, he had been a division manager for the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) for five years, Wood said.
“I enjoyed my time with the authority, because I have worked alongside some outstanding water professionals,” said Hogan. “I am leaving the utility in better shape than when I took over. We are more financially stable than we’ve ever been, with the best bond rating possible for a utility.”
Hogan said that WASA has saved $3 million dollars by refinancing long-term debt during his tenure, while not having to borrow additional dollars for much needed rehab projects.
“We have a comprehensive rehabilitation and improvement program underway to address overdue issues within the entire system,” Hogan said. “As general manager, I did things the right way in the interest of public health and welfare, and I’m grateful for the support of our board and staff while in pursuit of that.”
Wood said Susan Lee joined the initial management team at WASA in 1998, so she will celebrate 20 years with the authority in February. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with a minor in Biology, from the University of West Georgia. In addition, she is certified as a Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator in Georgia, which is the state’s highest level of certification in the industry.
She also holds a Wastewater Lab Analyst’s Certification and has 33 years of experience in the profession, said Wood.
Lee began her career in the wastewater field as a treatment plant operator for Fulton County Public Works, before moving into the laboratory within her first year there. She eventually advanced into the operations department at Fulton County, where she was promoted to supervisor after attaining her Class I Certification. After a decade of service to Fulton County, she worked in the industry for a specialty coagulant manufacturer, prior to joining PCWASA.
“I have always viewed my mission at the authority as multi-faceted – to inform, educate, and serve,” says Lee. “Sewer service and wastewater treatment are essential services for this community, and this utility functions to protect the waterways that contribute to the quality of life in Peachtree City. The residents of this community can take pride in this authority which serves them, as well as business and industry, by protecting the environment and public health.”
