New Chief of Utility Operations Settles Into Role at Avon Lake Regional Water

Avon Lake Regional Water’s new Chief of Utility Operations is settling into his new role at the utility.

“I’m excited to join Avon Lake Regional Water as the Chief of Utility Operations and be a part of an industry leader in water and wastewater innovation,” said Mr. Munro. “What most excites me about Avon Lake Regional Water is the innovative ways that we are able to keep the highest water quality services at an affordable cost to residential and commercial customers.”

Mr. Munro officially began his role at Avon Lake Regional Water on March 19, 2018. Since assuming the role, Mr. Munro has immersed himself in the day-to-day operations of administration, the Water Filtration Plant (WFP) and Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) operations, as well as understanding recent upgrades to the facilities and distribution and collection lines.

As the Chief of Utility Operations, Mr. Munro’s role is to assure the operations, maintenance, and safety of all treatment, pumping, and piping systems of Avon Lake Regional Water. Mr. Munro ensures that the utility meets the needs of its customers at a cost-effective rate and in compliance with all regulations. In addition, Mr. Munro will head up the organization’s continuous improvement program and help drive organizational strategy, asset management procedures, and further innovation at our facilities.

“The Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities and the City of Avon Lake have taken a proactive approach to invest in the necessary infrastructure to keep our community viable and they have the forward thinking vision to put our community in a very good position for the future,” said Mr. Munro.

The Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities, which appoints the Chief of Utility Operations, selected Mr. Munro from a pool of 72 applicants.

“The Board is delighted to welcome Rob Munro as our latest Chief of Utility Operations. Rob brings almost 20 years of experience to the position and has demonstrated excellent capabilities in management and communications within a larger municipal context.  We consider this appointment to be an outstanding long-term addition to our already excellent team of dedicated staff,” said John Dzwonczyk, Chairman of the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities.

Prior to joining Avon Lake Regional Water, Mr. Munro served as the Chief of Sewers for the City of Erie, Pennsylvania, where he managed an 88-person division responsible for both the collection and treatment of wastewater in Erie. Below is a list of Mr. Munro’s previous positions.

  • Chief of Sewers, City of Erie, PA (2015-2018),
  • Chief of Fleet & Maintenance, City of Erie, PA (2013-2015),
  • Operations Superintendent, City of Erie, PA (2006-2013),
  • Heavy Equipment Operator, City of Erie, PA (2001-2006),
  • Bureau of Sanitation, City of Erie, PA (1998-2001).

“Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to our utility through his numerous years of operational and management experience with the City of Erie, PA,” said Todd Danielson, Chief Utilities Executive of Avon Lake Regional Water. “We welcome Rob to our staff and our community of Avon Lake.”

Mr. Munro takes over the Chief of Utility Operations role from Rick Eberle, who has served in this role at Avon Lake Regional Water. For the time being, Mr. Eberle will stay on with Avon Lake Regional to help Mr. Munro transition into the role and to help with key projects. We greatly appreciate Mr. Eberle’s hard work and dedication to providing high quality water and wastewater services our customers.

About Avon Lake Regional Water:

Avon Lake Regional Water is a progressive water and wastewater utility in Avon Lake, Ohio. Our mission is to provide the region with quality water services. We provide these services to over 200,000 residents living in the seven-county area surrounding Avon Lake. Strategically located on the shores of Lake Erie, Avon Lake Regional Water is able to supply the area’s growing need for high quality drinking water. Governed by an independent body elected by the residents of Avon Lake, the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities establishes policy and oversees the organization’s operations.

About the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities:

The Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities is an independent board composed of five members elected by the citizens of Avon Lake to serve four-year terms. The Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities establishes policy and oversees the water and wastewater treatment operations of Avon Lake Regional Water. The Avon Board of Municipal Utilities functions independently of Avon Lake City Council, but cooperates with the Council and City on major projects, such as combined sewer separations.

Members of the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities include:

  • John Dzwonczyk, Board Chair
  • Tony Abram
  • Randy Phillips
  • Tim Rush
  • Dana Schnabel

The Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities generally meets twice a month, the first and third Tuesdays, at 6:30 p.m. at 201 Miller Road, Avon Lake, Ohio 44012. Meetings are open to the public.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Avon Lake Regional Water at (440) 933-6226.