PRESIDENT/CEO

SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM,

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

This is an exciting opportunity to live, work and lead in one of the most dynamic and culturally diverse cities in America. San Antonio is a thriving community that boasts a long and colorful history, as well as exciting new growth in the technology field.

San Antonio Water System (SAWS), one of the largest water utilities in the United States as well as a regional purchaser and wholesaler of water resources, is seeking a dedicated, responsive, and experienced individual for its next President/Chief Executive Officer. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader, manager and consensus builder, as well as someone who has a keen understanding of water issues in the Southwest, Texas and/or South Texas, and possesses strong interpersonal skills that compel them to success in an ever-changing environment.

The ideal candidate for President/CEO of SAWS should be organized, innovative and committed to continuing the tradition of excellence in providing water and wastewater services. The successful candidate should be dedicated to protecting the environment, open to new opportunities and compelled to excel in the providing of quality water and wastewater services and other related services to the City of San Antonio and the surrounding communities. The ideal candidate should also possess the skills and acumen to develop trust and positive, lasting water resource relationships with suppliers and purchasers in the region.

The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Public Administration, Engineering, or a related field from an institution certified by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. A Master’s Degree or a professional degree in a related field is preferred. Senior-level leadership or management experience directing a large public or private sector organization is preferred.  

The desired leadership style of the new President/CEO of SAWS is one that is collaborative/consultative, diplomatic/tactful and influential/inspirational. The successful candidate will also have no conflict of interest with any project that SAWS is involved in.

Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the new President/CEO will be responsible for management and direction of all aspects of SAWS to ensure effective use of public funds for the daily operation and long-term efficiency of the water, wastewater, recycled water, and related systems.

San Antonio’s geography and history are closely intertwined with its water supply. Situated in South Central Texas, people have been living near the springs and rivers of the area for thousands of years. When Spanish missionaries first explored the area in 1691, they encountered an already thriving community of Native Americans.

The community and surrounding area relies primarily on the Edwards Aquifer as its primary source of water supply. The Edwards is a vast aquifer system providing water to supply the springs and rivers in the region. Numerous communities, irrigators, and industries pump water directly from the aquifer. By direction of the San Antonio City Council some years ago, SAWS was mandated with diversifying the sources of water supply for practical reasons and to preserve the Edwards and its sensitive species for future generations

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is a nationally acclaimed public water utility. SAWS is municipally-owned utility, providing potable water, recycled water, chilled water, and steam; as well as wastewater collection and treatment to a defined service area. SAWS serves the majority of the population within the corporate limits of the City of San Antonio and some portions of Bexar County, Texas.

The starting salary for the President/CEO position for the San Antonio Water System will be market competitive, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected individual. A top candidate with excellent skills and experience to match will be proportionately rewarded.  In addition, an excellent fringe benefit package will be provided to the successful candidate.  Reasonable relocation expenses will also be paid for the selected candidate.

For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact James L. Mercer, President/CEO, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 505-466-9500; mercer@mindspring.com.

Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business October 15, 2008, to James L. Mercer, President/CEO, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 W. Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466-1274. E-Mail: mercer@mindspring.com; Website: www.mercergroupinc.com.

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.   The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, ethnic origin, sexual preference or handicapped status.

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