DC Water votes to remove CEO David Gadis after Potomac sewage spill

DC Water’s board of directors has voted to remove CEO David Gadis.

Gadis was the face of the agency’s response to the Potomac Interceptor break that sent millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River earlier this year. Before the spill, Gadis had been placed on a performance improvement plan by the board because of concerns about his management, sources told News4.

According to its online calendar, DC Water’s Board of Directors met behind closed doors in executive session during a meeting Friday morning.

Sources told News4 that during that meeting, the board voted to “separate” Gadis from his position. It’s not yet known when this will take effect or what kind of severance package Gadis could receive.

Last year, his contract had been extended until September 2028.

DC Water has not formally announced the move.

Eight board members voted in favor of separation, and three voted present.

The vote also authorizes Unique Morris Hughes, chair of DC Water’s Board of Directors, to initiate a search for a replacement.