The Washington Public Utility Districts Association presented its annual Water Employee of the Year award to Clark Public Utilities Operations Manager Oscar Maciel. The award is presented to a field operator or staff person who has excelled in the successful operation and maintenance of a PUD water or wastewater system.
Oscar was chosen because of his leadership, dedication to the success of his utility, and commitment to the philosophy of WPUDA. Maciel has 28 years of experience working for Clark Public Utilities, where he started as a meter reader before moving over to the water utility as a serviceman, and now serves as Operations Manager.
The Association honored Maciel for his effectiveness in improving processes at Clark Public Utilities that have resulted in cost and time savings; his commitment to training and skill development for his employees; his leadership in heading the utility’s Joint Safety Committee; the integral role he played in the utilities’ meter replacement program that modernizes Clark’s ability to monitor, track and manage customer usage; and his exemplary interpersonal skills and managerial style of engaging employees and addressing issues directly with a team focus.
Maciel was also recognized for his willingness to share knowledge and skills with others by training and speaking at WPUDA conferences as well as participating in various planning efforts for events, sessions, and conferences; all of which reflect his commitment to growing the next generation of water professionals. “This is a most well-deserved award,” said John Kounts, Water Program Director for the Washington PUD Association “You’re exactly the exceptional type of employee the creators of this award had in mind when they started awarding this three years ago,” Kounts said while presenting the award to Maciel. “It’s folks like Oscar that we depend on to make the PUD Association work for water utilities.”
Maciel was presented the award at the Association’s annual Water Workshop which was held virtually this year due to COVID-19. “It’s humbling and I appreciate the recognition,” Maciel said as he accepted the award.
The Washington Public Utility Districts Association advocates for 27 not-for-profit, public utility districts across the State of Washington and one joint operating agency, Energy Northwest.
