Long-time utilities staffer snags top job

"After a nation-wide search" Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities' deputy director (and currently interim director) snags the top job. Here's the city's press release:

City Manager Names Barry Gullet New Utilities Director

(Charlotte, NC)… After a nation-wide search Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton announced today that Barry Gullet has been selected the new Director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities effective immediately. The search was conducted by The Waters Consulting Group, Inc.

Gullet was named Interim Utilities Director February 18 after former Director Doug Bean announced his retirement. Since joining Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities in 1978 Gullet has served as Civil Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer and Deputy Director.

“Barry’s knowledge of the system and experience with the City coupled with his creative problem- solving solutions set him apart from other candidates,” says Walton. “While serving as Interim Director he demonstrated great leadership skills and is advancing a nine point plan to improve customer service and operations.”

Gullet is known for being a change agent. As Deputy Director, he has been called upon to successfully lead the utility through difficult reorganizations and performance improvement initiatives. He led a team of employees through a competitive proposal to substantially enhance the way Charlotte’s treatment plants are operated and managed earning the utility national attention. He is also the Chairman of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.

The 54-year-old Landis native was also the 2009 recipient of the Fuller Award, which is a national recognition awarded annually by the American Water Works Association for distinguished service to the water supply field. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and a state-certified Water Treatment Plant Operator. Gullet earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from UNC Charlotte.

Under Gullet’s leadership, the City will continue its review of customer service delivery, the Utilities Billing Center and the successful completion of the meter reading equipment audit.

Additionally, a rate study is getting under way to analyze and make recommendations related to the water and sewer rate structure. The study will be presented to City Council’s Restructuring Government Committee for review and a recommendation to the full Council later this year.

As CMU Director, Gullet will oversee a 721 employee department with an annual operating budget of more than $104 million and an annual capital budget of nearly $200 million. He will direct city and county-wide utilities planning and management activities for water and sewer operations that include eight treatment plants and more than 8,000 miles of water and sewer pipe. These duties include developing and promoting long-term regional services; maintaining and enhancing existing service levels, designing, constructing and managing the future utility system, in addition to meeting public health, safety and environmental regulations.

A total of 32 candidates from across the country applied for the position. After review and evaluation of qualifications, the Waters Group presented 16 applicants for consideration by the City Manager of which five were interviewed. The interview panel included Ron Kimble, Deputy City Manager; Jeb Blackwell, City Engineer; Bobbie Shields, Mecklenburg County General Manger [er, "manager"/Mary] ; and David Jarrett, CMU Advisory Board Chair. The five applicants were narrowed to two finalists who were interviewed by the City Manager.

To read more about Barry Gullet click bio. The annual salary of the CMU Utilities Director is $152,000.