Three of GUC’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP) employees were recognized at the NC Waterworks Operators Association (NCWOA) Annual Business Meeting and Banquet in Raleigh on September 28th. The NCWOA has been the premier trainer of waterworks professionals in North Carolina since 1939. Their volunteers are industry leaders who provide certification schools and continuing education opportunities.  

Outstanding Operator of the Year
Ryan Gregory, WTP Operations Coordinator, was presented the 2022 Outstanding Operator of the Year Award. This is the most prestigious award given by the Association each year, and this makes Ryan the second employee at GUC to be recognized for this award. Former WTP Superintendent Ricky Langley received the award in 2006.  

This award recognizes individuals for outstanding performance, professionalism, and contributions to the water treatment profession. Selection criteria include professional growth and continuing education, new ideas or improvements developed for an existing facility, and the ability to serve the best interest of the community. 

Ryan has been with GUC for nine years, serving as Operator and Lead Operator before his promotion earlier this year to Operations Coordinator. Ryan works with WTP Superintendent Julius Patrick to help manage and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Plant and to ensure that operations meet local, state, and federal requirements. He supervises the team of Operators who regulate the treatment process. Water quality is continuously monitored and tested by the Operators as they make adjustments and chemical changes as needed. 

In addition to the A-Surface and A-Well certifications required for his job, Ryan holds Physical Chemical I, C-Distribution, Maintenance Tech I, and Herbicides and Pesticides certifications. 

“Under Ryan's leadership, our Plant has earned eight industry awards,” said WTP Superintendent Julius Patrick. “Ryan takes advantage of every opportunity he can to increase his knowledge and willingly share it with his staff and peers, also making sure his staff is always aware of training opportunities. Most recently, Ryan was instrumental in optimizing the Plant's ozone process, saving thousands of dollars annually on liquid oxygen costs.” 

Ryan was also noted for promoting community and water industry service by volunteering at career fairs and conducting tours for local schools, colleges, and civic groups. At the start of the COVID pandemic, Ryan played an important role in creating a virtual tour for the public at the request of our local schools.  

“Among many other contributions to GUC and the water industry, the most important to note is that Ryan promotes the importance of safety to his staff and stresses that everyone needs to look out for each other's well-being,” said Julius. 

Laboratory Analyst of the Year 
Kendra Nettles, WTP Laboratory Technician II, was presented the 2022 NCWOA Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award in appreciation of her outstanding work as a laboratory analyst for GUC and service to NCWOA. 

Each year, the Association recognizes one person who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of drinking water analysis, and who has made exceptional achievements and contributions to the field of drinking water analysis and/or drinking water treatment. 

Kendra has been with GUC for 14 years. As a Laboratory Technician, she helps to ensure that we have safe drinking water from the Plant all the way to the tap. A lot goes into providing quality drinking water, and our Lab Techs work closely with other employees at the Plant throughout the entire process. Kendra holds B-Surface, Bacteriological Methods, and Process Control Chemistry certifications. 

The Lab’s responsibilities are twofold. First, daily samples are taken from the Plant for bacterial, chemical, and physical analysis. Results are sent to the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Equally important, the laboratory staff goes out in the field to take samples throughout the water distribution system. Each month, thousands of tests are performed on substances to ensure that our drinking water is safe. Many of these tests are required by law, but our lab also goes above what is required to ensure high standards of water quality control.    

“Kendra has played a part in many special projects at the Plant and has contributed to building out the laboratory analysis capabilities, most recently assisting with the development of new bacteriological methods” said Chad Flannagan, WTP Chemist/Lab Manager. “She also regularly assists with trouble calls from customers and volunteers for community events, career fairs, and her church.”   

Educator of the Year 
WTP Chemist/Lab Manager Chad Flannagan received the 2022 Educator of the Year Award. Each year, the Association recognizes one person who has demonstrated outstanding devotion, service, and dedication to the Association and waterworks profession in the area of education.  

Chad has been with GUC for 10 years, serving as WTP Operator and Lead Operator before his promotion to his current role. He has been actively involved in NCWOA since 2015 and is currently the Association’s 2nd Vice President. He also serves as Lab Analyst Co-Chair and Seminars Committee Chair, and is on the Finance, Member Services, and Remote Lab Tech Committees.  

“Chad is an asset to NCWOA education, teaching a variety of operator math and fluoride classes,” said Julius. “He breaks down math in a way that's easy for operators to retain. I’ve been told by multiple students that Chad is a great instructor. Chad even built a model of the water treatment process that's currently being used for class tours at the Plant as well as out in the community.” 

Congratulations to Ryan, Kendra, and Chad on these incredible recognitions by their industry peers!