Johnson County Wastewater General Manager to retire after 25 years with the organization

After serving Johnson County Wastewater for 25 years, General Manager Susan Pekarek will retire effective Oct. 1.

Pekarek joined Johnson County Wastewater in 2001 as a project engineer and quickly rose through the ranks due to her tenacity, attention to detail and commitment to public service. She served as the managing engineer for treatment for approximately a dozen years before being promoted to Chief Engineer in 2013.
Pekarek became General Manager in 2016 and has served in that role for the past 10 years.

"Under her leadership, Johnson County Wastewater has become a national leader in safety, regulation compliance and public education," said County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. "Susan is a well-known leader in the wastewater field, both statewide and nationally. She is also a respected department head and valuable member of our Executive Leadership Team. Susan's expertise, leadership skills and warm demeanor will be missed."

Some JCW accomplishments under Pekarek's leadership include:

• The development of a 25-year strategic plan to guide capital investments for new projects and upgrades in a thoughtful and efficient process that ensures optimum service at a competitive rate.
• Using innovation and expertise to save ratepayers approximately $195 million in costs to rebuild the Nelson Wastewater Treatment Facility.
• Rebuilding the Tomahawk Creek Wastewater Facility, which tripled treatment capacity, is expected to save almost $800 million over 35 years and earned Engineering News Record's National Best Project for Water/Environment award.
• Receiving the National Association of Clean Water Agencies' Peak Performance Awards annually for excellence in permit compliance across several treatment facilities in operation.
• Achieving a reduction in the department's vacancy rate from 25% to 2% annually.

JCW Chief Engineer Tami Lorenzen will serve as interim General Manager after Susan's retirement. Learn more about Lorenzen.