Agenda- 05-14-20; Item11 - Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors - Appointment Discussion

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13 Page 2 of 3 Quinton Harper Fmr. Board of Directors, Orange Water & Sewer Authority Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange Water&Sewer Authority Board of Directors Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I previously served, successfully, on OWASA s Board of Directors. As a result of my time/presence/service to the OWASA Board of Directors, I obtained significant institutional knowledge, built significant relationships with staff and current/former Board of Directors, and know the issues and work related to the Organization and serving on the Board of Directors. In particular, in my 2+ years of service, I helped navigate OWASA through budget cycles, consideration of rate increases, relevant issues like fluoride, and community engagement, and worked to increase effective and efficient relationships between Board, staff leadership and staff. In my time at OWASA, we somewhat successfully shifted the Organization s culture to being more engaging of the community; to being more transparent, responsive and supportive of ALL staff, esp. hourly/non-senior staff; and to being more attentive to issues of equity and diversity. Where I didn t so much have the technical knowledge related to managing a water and sewer authority, I worked to cultivate relationships with staff and board members who could be a resource in facilitating that learning. Beyond that, my expertise as a community organizer and advocate lends itself to serving as a voice of representation for those perspectives, identities and communities not traditionally represented at the table/board room. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: After having served my term, I promised the staff and Directors that I would return. I believe there will be a seat coming available, and I want to provide continuity and continue the accountability, transparency and representation that that seat carries and represents. Conflict of Interest: No. Supplemental Questions: Orange Water&Sewer Authority Board of Directors Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and/or from other boards/commissions that you have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management. Budget: helped facilitate OWASA s budget cycle and process of approval for 2 years; served on the Carrboro Human Services Board and advised Alderpeople on how/where to allocate portion of town s budget; worked to build, approve and implement budgets for moderate sized non- profits; Personnel and Management: worked to adjust OWASA s HR, personnel and management policies to make the Organization more supportive of hourly and non-Senior staff; accomplished utilizing a consultant to access, evaluate and implement employee organizational survey and new employee performance review policy. In addition to the experience listed in the question above, please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board. I believe my community involvement with the NAACP, service on local boards in Carrboro, and role as an advocate/organizer lend itself to being a gatekeeper and trusted leader in the community. I will continue to work to ensure that the community is informed/educated about decision-making, has an opportunity to engage with OWASA, and that the organization