New General Manager
BJWSA's Board of Directors has announced the selection of
Mr. Kenneth C. Griffin as the Authority's next General Manager.
Mr. Griffin has extensive knowledge about the water and wastewater utility industry, with additional expertise in strategic planning, capital program management, facility maintenance management, external funding procurement, negotiating, and policymaking.
Before his selection to join BJWSA, Mr. Griffin served as the Assistant County Administrator of Utilities & Infrastructure/Chief of Operations and Management for Municipal Utilities in Hillsborough County (Tampa), Florida. There, he led the County utility, public works, solid waste, electric generation, planning, transit planning and code enforcement efforts. In charge of a workforce of 2,100 employees, he administered an operational budget of around $400 million, and a capital budget of over $3 billion. Thanks to Ken's leadership, the County was issued a AAA bond rating from S&P, and won multiple awards for achievements in sustainability, planning and innovation.
Prior to joining Hillsborough in 2006, Mr. Griffin served as the General Manager of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District for 13 years. This district-the largest utility in the state-serves a population of 500,000. The district also provides solid waste, parks, watershed protection and flood control services to its citizens. Under Mr. Griffin's guidance, the water utility excelled in service to residential, commercial and major industrial customers. The district also completed several major community and economic development projects during his tenure.
In his career, Mr. Griffin has served in leadership roles throughout the utility industry and the public service sector. In addition to those listed above, he has held management positions in New York, California and Arizona. His educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science degree from UC-Irvine, a Master of Science degree from Cornell University in Water Chemistry and Biology, a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California in Civil Engineering, and a PhD in Leadership and Administration from University of Mississippi. He has also completed the Executive Program in Strategic Public Sector negotiation from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
BJWSA's Board and staff are excited about Mr. Griffin leading the organization, and believe his experience and leadership abilities will help advance the Utility as it continues to serve the residents and businesses of Beaufort and Jasper County. Mr. Griffin is scheduled to begin his employment on August 29th.