AUB’S DERRICK RECOGNIZED BY STATE ASSOCIATION
ATHENS, Tenn. – Jody Derrick is Athens Utilities Board’s (AUB) latest employee to gain recognition within his field of work. Derrick, an employee of AUB for almost 17 years, received the M. L. Brickey Award from the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association (TWWA) for his outstanding service to water quality control.
The award recently was presented to Derrick at the TWWA Lower East Region meeting in Farragut, Tenn.
The M.L. Brickey Award is given annually to a treatment operator who has “exhibited the characteristics of distinguished service, leadership, dedication, guidance, devotion, and untiring workmanship,” according to TWWA literature.
Russell Coleman, AUB’s Oostanaula Facility Supervisor, nominated Derrick for the award because of his experience and daily service.
AUB’s Craig Brymer, who heads up the utility’s water and wastewater divisions, praised Derrick for technical skills and his ability to work effectively with a diverse professional group at the treatment plants.
“Jody has earned an important leadership role at AUB’s wastewater treatment plants. He has a deep understanding of the technical details involved in wastewater treatment and doesn’t hesitate to share his knowledge with our less experienced operators,” Brymer said.
“He is innovative and is constantly exploring the most efficient way to accomplish goals. His work is a key reason for the Operational Excellence Awards AUB’s plants have earned during the past twenty-plus years. He brings a positive attitude with him each day and is a genuine pleasure to work with,” Brymer said.
Derrick began his career with AUB on January 23, 2003, in the wastewater division. His daily responsibilities include monitoring and controlling the process that remove contaminants from wastewater and ensure that the plant discharges a clean, quality effluent of treated water.
About half of Derrick’s time is spent in the laboratory as a technician running state-mandated tests and maintaining detailed records of AUB’s process and results.
“What I enjoy most about my job is protecting the environment and the public’s health while cleaning one of our most precious resources so that it can be used for other purposes,” Derrick said.
