Ventura County Public Works Agency Director of Water and Sanitation announces retirement

VENTURA, Calif. - Sept. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- Over the past three decades, Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) Director of Water and Sanitation Services Reddy Pakala has been inspiring others within the County of Ventura with his hard work, dedication, outstanding engineering and strong leadership. This year, after 34 years of service, Pakala will be retiring, beginning a new phase of his life.

With three college degrees – a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Master’s in Hydraulics and Water Resources and a Master’s in Environmental Engineering, Pakala’s qualifications and educations has landed him where he is today. He first began his career with Ventura County in 1980 as a design engineer with the Flood Control District; transitioning to a Project Manager for the Engineering Services Department in 1984. In 1988, Pakala transferred to VCPWA’s Moorpark office as a Senior Engineer, which led him to his current position as the Director of the Water and Sanitation Services Department.

Pakala’s time with the County has been marked with substantial growth. Since taking the helm of the Water and Sanitation Department, the number of water and sewer systems he has managed has increased from four to 12, and the Department now includes the Agency’s Integrated Waste Management Division. Budget has increased by 300 percent and customer accounts have grown by 170 percent.

“Reddy leads by example in his work ethic, and has provided the vision and direction for many new cutting edge projects for the District’s water supply and wastewater treatment facilities,”said Eric Keller, Deputy Director of the Water and Sanitation Department. “He has repeatedly promoted the work of his employees, sharing the credit for our many successful projects. It has been a privilege to learn under his leadership.”

Some of Pakala’s most notable achievements include his direction on the Piru Wastewater Treatment Plan Expansion and El Rio Sewer System Collection projects, which have both received accolades from the American Public Works Agency for Project of the Year. A current undertaking Pakalai s enthusiastic to spearhead is the Moorpark Desalination plant, which will make use of the local water supply and reduce dependency on expensive imported water. This project will not only give the county high-quality water in a cost-effective manner, but it will also be environmentally sustainable.

“My 34-year career with the Ventura County Public Works Agency has been a rewarding experience having the opportunity to be part of groundbreaking developments that have forever impacted and improved the lives of Ventura County citizens,” explains Pakala. “I’ve seen the Agency grow and worked with some of the most brilliant civil engineers in the country, and look forward to seeing this talented team continue to make advancements this incredible region.”