Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has announced his nomination of William M. Walker as Chairman of the DC Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA). Walker replaces Robin B. Martin, whose term expired September 12, 2008.

STATEMENT BY OUTGOING DC WASA CHAIRMAN ROBIN B. MARTIN

Although business and personal commitments prevent me from accepting re-nomination for another term as chairman, this appointment has been a great honor, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the Mayor and this organization. When I became chairman in spring 2007, there were a number of changes facing the DC WASA Board of Directors including a new Council oversight committee and a significant number of new Authority Board members – both from the District and the suburban jurisdictions. Board members have been a tremendous resource to the Authority, with the energy and intellect to be great contributors to our success. For DC WASA and the public it serves, this Board is actively involved and committed to driving a results-oriented organization, rebuilding the Authority’s image and credibility and being open and responsive to customers and stakeholders.

DC WASA is only 11 years old and has already made substantial progress. Earlier this year, the Board commissioned an independent, comprehensive review of the Authority’s operating and capital budgets and ten-year financial plan and program. Describing DC WASA as “the best kept secret on the East Coast, a beacon worth emulating by other organizations in the industry,” the final report affirms that, in its short history, the Authority has built a solid reputation among the leaders in this industry through the application of ‘best practices’ in operations and financial performance.

During my tenure as chairman, the Board took the following actions:

• Adopted a new policy of openness and transparency in all of its operations
• Reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively and efficiently with other government agencies, both in the District and in Maryland and Virginia.
• Continued to build on the Authority’s financial strengths with the flexibility required in today’s economy
• Received an unsolicited credit rating upgrade from AA- to AA
• Developed a new strategic plan with goals and objectives that ensure accountability, measure performance, and guide DC WASA toward the service, financial and environmental outcomes necessary for world class stature in this industry.

I will long appreciate this experience at the helm of an organization with such a critical purpose and significant challenges. I have had a very positive working relationship with staff and the entire DC WASA organization. General Manager Jerry N. Johnson, one of the longest tenured public sector executives in the region, continues to be a great asset to the Authority. In nominating William M. Walker as the new Board chair, the Mayor has selected an individual who has a great business mind and whose leadership and organizational skills will make DC WASA nothing less than the world’s greatest water and sewer Authority. The elements are all in place to keep DC WASA on track and in the direction it has been heading since its creation in 1996.