Portland Water District taps former trustee with national, international background for top slot
Michelle Clements
Seth Garrison of Scarborough has worked at municipal water districts in several American cities as well as Afghanistan.
Portland Water District has chosen a utility management consultant with both national and international experience as its new general manager.
Seth Garrison spent the last two decades working with water and wastewater utilities at Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Denver Water, and Philadelphia Water to solve complex management and infrastructure challenges. His focus has been helping utilities enhance performance, strengthen their workforces and organizations, and improve trust among stakeholders and the public.
He spent two years in Afghanistan, directing capacity-building programs, coordinating teams building major urban water systems and working with cabinet ministers to develop national water and wastewater regulatory infrastructure.
Garrison is also a former trustee of the Portland Water District, where he represented Scarborough for nine years. He replaces Carrie Lewis, who was general manager for five and a half years before retiring earlier this month.
According to a news release about his hire, Garrison is especially proud of his role in the success of Pittsburgh Water, transforming it into a thriving utility from one on the verge of privatization. He credits thoughtful strategic planning, clear public communication and sound policies for its success.
“The main criteria in our nationwide search for the next GM was to find a person that will continue our commitment to our customers and employees and our vision for the future of the District," said trustee Guy Cote, who led the search committee. "Seth’s background and experience will continue the District on a path of sustainability while keeping our rates affordable for our customers.”
Garrison began his career as a regulator for the Maine Drinking Water Program after receiving a degree in environmental engineering with a minor in economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He then joined the Bath Water District as its superintendent at the age of just 24.
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