Public works employee grateful for well-rounded employment

LOMBARD, Illinois—“I am grateful that the management of the Village allows me to be involved in this organization as it helps me to become a more knowledgeable, more well-rounded employee,” said David Moody, a five-year Village of Lombard employee who is currently a maintenance worker in the Public Works Department.

The organization which Moody is referring to is the Mid-Central Water Works Association where Moody's New Year will begin with a one-year term as Secretary of the organization. “The officers make a four-year commitment and serve one year in each of the positions, beginning with Secretary, followed by Treasurer, Vice Chair and eventually Chair of the organization,” Moody explained.

Moody is one of 12 Lombard Public Works employees who hold his Class A Certified Water Operators license (there are also three employees who hold a Class C license.) The certification process administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency ensures the highest degree of professionalism among water operators and includes a proficiency exam, hands-on experience and continuing education requirements.

A resident of Lombard, Moody received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science from the University of Illinois. He is a frequent visitor to the surrounding forest preserves where he enjoys hiking, biking and

running.

Membership in the Water Works Association is important to Moody because it is professional, philanthropic and social. Members receive continuing education classes, make contacts with other public employees as well as those in the private sector and benefit from educational speakers at meetings. The philanthropic aspect comes in the funding that brings potable water to undeveloped areas of the world and is funneled through a non-profit agency, “Water for People.” Some of the funds are raised through a golf outing put on by the organization, thus providing a social aspect to the membership as well, said Moody.

Moody spent his first two years of employment with the Village in the street department and now serves in the water and sewer division. “I love it here,” he said. “I am happy to be working for the Public Works Department and enjoy it more every day,” he added.

Encouraged by his co-workers in the water and sewer division to move into the leadership positions with the Water Works Association, Moody is glad he did so. “I am very pleased that David has moved into this leadership role with Mid-Central,” said Angela Podesta, Utilities Superintendent for the Village's Public Works Department. “His involvement will benefit both himself and the Village by preparing him for more responsible roles in the future,” she added.

The Village of Lombard was a charter member of the Mid-Central Water Works Association, which was formed in 1958. The association is composed of people engaged in operations, maintenance and management of the public water supplies service member communities. The organization has more than 100 members, and beginning in 2012, Dave Moody will be their Secretary.