ORWA Staff

 

	Gene Whatley Executive Director gwhatley@okruralwater.org
	ORWA Executive Director, Gene Whatley was employed by ORWA in July 1978 as an administrative assistant.  Prior to being named to his present position, Whatley 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 jgammill@okruralwater.org
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 Ingham Circuit Rider I Western Oklahoma tingham@okruralwater.org
Terry has worked in small water system operations since 1982.  He was in charge of operations for Hunter Rural Water for 10 years then went to work for Logan Co. RWD #1 as manager/operator of the water and sewer system.  He was employed by ORWA in 1993 as a Circuit Rider specializing in operational, managerial and financial technical assistance.  He is licensed in “B” water & wastewater.
	Richard DeShazo Circuit Rider II Southeast Oklahoma rdeshazo@okruralwater.org
	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.
Bob Hughes Circuit Rider III Northeast Oklahoma bhughes@okruralwater.org
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 Wincapaw Native American Tribal Tech Wastewater Technician I twincapaw@okruralwater.org
	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.
Randy Caskey Wastewater Technician II rcaskey@okruralwater.org
Randy is a wastewater technician, providing technical assistance to Rural and small municipal 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.
	Marc Davis Wastewater Technician III mdavis@okruralwater.org
	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 Matheson OWRB Program Manager mmatheson@okruralwater.org
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.     In 1988, Mark was employed as an operator for the 12 MGD Lake Arcadia water treatment plant for the City of Edmond, OK. In 1989 Mark was promoted to Chief Plant Operator to oversee the complete operations of the plant.     Mark joined the Oklahoma Rural Water Association team in 1991 and has worked in many different capacities since then. Mark has worked as a Water Circuit Rider, Wastewater Technician, Wastewater Training Technician, Special Projects Manager, EPA Program manager and currently in the OWRB Technical Assistance and Training Program. He is also the inventor of a biological denitrification treatment process for drinking water, which ORWA holds a patent on.     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.
	Anita Earnest OWRB Board Trainer aearnest@okruralwater.org
	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.
Kelly Matheson Risk Management kmatheson@okruralwater.org
Charles "Kelly" Matheson is a Risk Management Specialist and Trainer.  Kelly formerly worked for 7 years with Logan Co. RWD #1, and has  experience in both water and wastewater.  In July of 2000 Kelly began working as a field technician with ORWA's Native American Technical Assistance and Training Program.  In March of 2007 Kelly moved to the Risk Management Program for The Assurance Group where he visits System Members conducting property assessments and assisting with asset management.
	Kelley Brown Source Water Protection Specialist kbrown@okruralwater.org
	Kelley began at ORWA in February 2007 and assists water systems throughout the state to develop Source Water Protection Plans.  Kelley will work with water systems to assess potential contaminate sources within their watershed areas.  This will also include helping these systems to develop their Source Water Protection Plans and Contingency Plans.    Prior to beginning at ORWA, Kelley worked for Rural Water District #6, Okmulgee County as District Manager for 5 years.
Office Staff
	Marie Whatley Finance Director gypsyree@aol.com
Marie became part of the ORWA team in September of 1980.  She has overall responsibility for records keeping, accounting, financial reporting, member records, supervision of administrative personnel, and other office activities.  Marie received the NRWA Office Manager of the Year Award in 1990 and the Accounting Award of Excellence in 1991.  She has given numerous presentations on office procedures and accounting at NRWA in-service training.  In 1989 Marie was recognized by the ORWA Board for dedicated service, outstanding performance and contributions to the success of the association.  In 2007 she was presented with the Hall of Fame award given by ORWA's Associate Members.  Marie also assists with planning and conducting ORWA's annual meeting and technical conference.
Lisa Ross Office Manager orwaag@aol.com
Lisa has been a part of ORWA since April of 1988.  She started as a secretary for ORWA with general office and administrative duties.  In 1998 Lisa was promoted to the position of assistant office manager.  She has performed administrative services for the ORWA Assurance Group since its inception in 1988 and was assigned as account manager in 1998.  Lisa was recognized by the ORWA Board in 1996 and 2000 for her dedicated service, outstanding performance and contributions to the success of the association.  Lisa also assists with preparation of the ORWA monthly update and quarterly magazine.
	Stephanie Whatley Assistant Office Manager swhatley@okruralwater.org
	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 Smith Administrative Assistant jsmith@okruralwater.org
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 Brown Administrative Assistant tbrown@okruralwater.org
	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 Reagan Administrative Assistant rreagan@okruralwater.org
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.