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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
Feb 52 min read


Staff Spotlight: Mike Townsley, Resident Manager – Provin Mountain December 2025
Recently we shared a story about an inoperable century-old valve that was critical to diverting flow around the site of the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant. It was Mike Townsley who managed to machine a new gear assembly to open the valve and keep the project on track. Mike Townsley has been part of the Commission since 2008, starting at West Parish Filters before transferring in 2011 as Assistant Resident Manager of Provin Mountain, which is located in Agawam. Provi
Dec 19, 20253 min read


Staff Spotlight: Mike Popko, Superintendent of Water Facilities
This December marks an epic milestone for Superintendent of Water Facilities Mike Popko, who will celebrate twenty years with the...
May 1, 20252 min read


Staff Spotlight: Elise Tarnauskas, Process Control Manager
December can be a quiet month when it comes to work outside, but inside Commission staff are busy gearing up for the new plant. Elise...
Dec 23, 20242 min read
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