ORWA Executive Director, Gene Whatley was employed by ORWA in July 1978 as an administrative assistant.  Prior to being named to his present position, Gene worked as manager of the NRWA/EPA Technical Assistance and Training Program and as a Circuit Rider.
  He has overall responsibility for association administration and management, development and delivering of member services, oversight of state, federal and association programs and ORWA governmental relations.

James Gammill
Deputy Executive Director
  

   Prior to joining the ORWA team in 1991, James spent 12 years as operator and Assistant Manager at Payne County Rural Water Corporation #3.  he graduated with degrees in management and marketing from Oklahoma State University in 1988.
     James was named Deputy Executive Director and Administrator of the Oklahoma Rural Water Association Assurance Group in 1999.  He has also served ORWA in other capacities including NRWA/EPA Training and Technical Assistance Program Manager, Circuit Rider and Wastewater Technician.

Field Staff

   Terry attended Draughons School of Business in Tulsa before serving for four years in the United States Marine Corps.  In 1982, he took over water system operations at Hunter Rural Water.  After 10 years at Hunter, he went to work for Logan Co. RWD #1 as manager/operator of the water and sewer system.  Terry has been providing outstanding service with ORWA since 1993.  As a Circuit Rider for Western Oklahoma he specializes in operational, managerial and financial technical assistance.  Terry carries a “B” license in both water & wastewater and was nominated by the National Rural Water Association in 2008 for Circuit Rider of the Year.

      Richard joined ORWA in October of 2006. He had been the utility superintendent for the Town of Hennessey since 2004.  Prior to that, he was a water operator for the City of Kingfisher for 5 years.  Richard has an Associate Degree in Applied Science as well as Class A water and wastewater lab, Class B water, and Class C wastewater licenses.  Richard will be servicing the Southeast section of the state as a Circuit Rider providing on-site technical assistance to rural and small community water systems.

      ORWA Circuit Rider Bob Hughes has over 25 years experience in water treatment and small water system operation and maintenance.  He started his career in 1982 in the water industry with the City of Coweta, where he worked in maintenance and as treatment plant operator.  After 13 years with Coweta, Bob was employed by Wagoner Co. RWD #9 for one year, Wagoner Co. RWD #5 for two years and was treatment plant supervisor for Wagoner Co. RWD #4 for nine years.  Bob was instrumental in the start-up of four new water treatment plants.  He was recipient of the ORWA Outstanding Water Treatment Operator Award in 1997.

   Tim is responsible for the ORWA Native American Assistance Program.  He is available to assist wastewater systems with treatment, collection, operation and maintenance and compliance problems.  Tim can also help with laboratory testing and reporting requirements.  Prior to his employment with ORWA in 2001, Tim worked for Westville Utility Authority. 

   Donald was has been employed by ORWA since 1994. He has helped numerous systems in solving wastewater treatment problems and assisted in improving the operation, maintenance and management of wastewater systems throughout the state. Donald’s career in the water business spans over 40 years. He is a Double A Operator and a member of the Water and Wastewater Operator Advisory Council. Prior to his employment with ORWA, Donald worked for the City of Edmond, Oklahoma City, Bethany-Warr Acres and Guthrie. The treatment plants that he managed in Edmond and Guthrie both received the OWPCA Treatment Plant of the Year Award.  

   Marc joined the Oklahoma Rural Water team in November 2002 as a water technician serving the NTNC systems.  In the spring of 2004, Marc worked in the EPA  Wellhead Protection Program and in March 2007 began work as a Wastewater Technician.  Marc has Class "B" Water, Class "B" Wastewater Class "C" Water lab and Class "C" Wastewater Lab licenses.

   Mark began his career in the water and wastewater field, in 1982, when he worked as operator, and later manager, for the City of Piedmont, OK.

    Mark joined the staff of Wastewater Systems Management Inc. in 1985 to work as a shift operator of a 12 MGD Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) for the City of Oklahoma City, Ok.

    Mark has received the Water Treatment Plant of the year award from the Oklahoma Water and Pollution Control Association, an Environmental Excellence Award and Operations and Maintenance Award from the USEPA Region 6.

  Randy is a training specialist and also provides technical assistance to Rural and small municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities in Oklahoma.  Prior to his employment with ORWA, Randy worked from 1980 – 2000 as the Water Superintendent for Wagoner County RWD #9.  Prior to employment with the district, Randy served in the U.S. Army from 1973 – 1980.

  Anita joined the staff of ORWA in July of 2006.  She is responsible for planning, developing, organizing, scheduling, and conducting board member training sessions throughout the state.
  Her previous experience includes 20 years with Lincoln County RWD #4, serving as district manager for 13 years.  Anita also served as Vice-Chairman for Lone Chimney Water Association.
  Please contact Anita if you have any questions regarding board member training requirements, training schedules or water district management and operations.

Office Staff

   Stephanie became part of the ORWA staff in March of 1995.  Her duties include administration of the ORWA Workers Compensation Insurance Program, PAC Program, preparing for the Annual Meetings and Fall Conferences, performing administrative functions for the Oklahoma Rural Water Enrichment Foundation, supporting ORWA's training program, supervision over the associations health and retirement plans and general clerical responsibilities.  Stephanie was recognized by the ORWA Board in 2000 and 2005 for her dedicated service, outstanding performance and contributions to the success of the association.

   Jennifer joined the ORWA staff in January of 2006.  She is the Assistant Account Manager for The Assurance Group, co-editor of The Advocate, performs website maintenance and other clerical duties as needed.

  Tina joined ORWA in February 2007.  She performs administrative functions, maintains mailing lists, company email lists, System and Associate Membership and general clerical duties.

 Risa started with ORWA in February 2008. She attended Oklahoma City Community College and has worked in the administrative field for 20 years. Her duties include general clerical duties as well as assisting the ORWA Assurance Group and ORWA as necessary.