New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board announces new executive director

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans has announced its new executive director. The S&WB announced Wednesday that Randy Hayman would lead the utility following a national search and interview process. According to the S&WB, Hayman comes to New Orleans after serving as the commissioner and CEO of the Philadelphia Water Department, the water utility for the nation’s sixth-largest city. He also served as general counsel for two highly respected water utilities, DC Water and Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. According to the S&WB, he also was a partner at the U.S.’s oldest and largest environmental law firm, Beveridge & Diamond PC. Under his leadership, Philadelphia Water removed three billion gallons of pollution before it could reach streams or rivers, far exceeding reduction targets previously set, according to a news release issued by the S&WB. He also led the $100 million initiative that upgraded every home in Philadelphia to smart meter technology, allowing customers to accurately track and be billed for water usage. “We are thrilled to welcome Randy Hayman to SWBNO and to the City of New Orleans,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in an issued statement. “He is coming at a critical time for our utility, as we prepare to complete our Power Complex, which will provide more reliable energy to fuel our pumps, and as we make headway on our lead service line replacement program. We’ve planted seeds that will bring trust and accountability to our customers – now it’s time to deliver on that promise.”The SWBNO interim director will be Ron Spooner who previously served Sewerage and Water Board as Interim General Superintendent, according to the S&WB. Hayman’s start date will be announced in the coming weeks.