Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> Page 2 of 2 John Bucher <br /> Orange Water& Sewer Authority Board of Directors <br /> 1. Please describe, generally, your reasons for wanting to serve on the OWASA Board of <br /> Directors. <br /> I was asked by the current Board director of possible interest in applying to serve. After <br /> consideration, I am interested and feel I could provide needed technical expertise. I m retired <br /> from Federal government service and have the time and desire to contribute to the well being of <br /> the community. <br /> 2a. Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and/or from other <br /> boards/commissions that you have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management. <br /> For over 10 years I directed the Division of the National Toxicology Program at NIEHS, part of <br /> the National Institutes of Health. As such I oversaw an - $100 M budget and approximately 115 <br /> staff. I therefore have extensive experience in developing budgets, managing diverse personnel, <br /> and managing a large public health program with an international reputation for excellence. <br /> 2b. In addition to the experience listed in the question above, please list the <br /> work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board. <br /> I joined NIEHS in 1983 as an entry level staff scientist. Through the years I assumed a steadily <br /> increasing level of responsibility, and gained personal experience working at all levels of a <br /> complex organization. I appreciate the challenges of both working for and directing staff. I m an <br /> internationally recognized toxicologist with knowledge of water disinfection byproducts, fluoride <br /> and PSAS. <br /> 3. What do you understand OWASA's role to be regarding issues of growth and <br /> development? <br /> I understand OWASA faces challenges in implementing new PFAS contamination standards, an <br /> aging infrastructure requiring continued pipe replacement, managing leaks, maintaining the land <br /> around Cane Creek, all the while supporting rapid growth of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. OWASA <br /> faces increasing challenges to keeping rates affordable. <br /> 4. What do do you hope to accomplish if appointed? <br /> I would hope to be an engaged and valuable resource for the Board of Directors. I consider <br /> OWASA to be a critical public health agency responsible for supplying an essential life resource <br /> to the communities it serves. <br /> 5. Please indicate your availability to attend regularly scheduled meetings. <br /> I'm retired and available for these meetings. <br /> 6. How would your participation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> I would hope to bring scientific and technical expertise in water treatment approaches and <br /> consequences. I note that this is largely missing from the backgrounds of current Board <br /> members, particularly with the required retirement of a current Orange County appointed <br /> member in July of 2024. <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Other Comments: <br /> This application was current on: 4/16/2023 8:30:06 PM Date Printed: 12/6/2023 <br />