Staff Spotlight: Jim Laurila, Retired Director of Water Operations

At the end of January, Jim Laurila closed out a 40-year career in public service, the last ten served as the Director of Water Operations at West Parish Filters. Upon Jim’s arrival he led two major facility assessments of the treatment plant, which ultimately resulted in the design and construction of the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant. Here in his own words, Jim reflects on his influential career at West Parish and the Commission, and what he sees for the future.

On how his role has evolved over time

My main function as the Director of Water Operations is essentially leadership of people. That hasn’t changed in the ten years I’ve been at the Commission.

 

On what he’s most proud of during his time at West Parish

I’m most proud of the growth of our team and the development of a very skilled management group. Over the last 10 years there have been many opportunities for staff growth into management positions of considerable responsibility.  Several staff have risen to the challenges presented and are now in key management-level positions, resulting in an outstanding group of young leaders in place to operate the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant when it comes online, as well managing other important functions including watershed management and finished water storage at Provin Mountain.

Jim Laurila and the new Director of Water Operations Christina Jones.

On the most notable changes he’s presided over 

West Parish has become very data-driven over the last 10 years. How we collect and manage data from a variety of sources such as reservoir and stream monitoring to daily sampling in the city is now vastly different.  The Commission has considerable talent in data management, using powerful systems to design dashboards for the collection, presentation and use of data.  Our GIS team is an industry leader using GIS mapping in operational applications. We’ve also completed considerable work with leading engineering consultants and experts at UMass Amherst to better understand the complexities in things ranging from reservoir water quality to the chemical and physical properties of how the water is treated. Use and management of data is the future in Water Operations, and the Commission is well positioned in these important areas.

On teamwork at West Parish

A highlight for me is seeing the daily teamwork and coordination that is exhibited by the entire Water Operations team. The best decision making occurs when everyone’s ideas and input are respectfully considered.

What the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant means to him

It’s an honor to be involved in a project of this important magnitude for our water customers. The design and construction of the new plant is being expertly managed by our Engineering team, and leading the Water Operations team’s input on the design elements and involvement in the construction project has been a highlight in my 40-year career.