(COLUMBIA, MO) -
City of Columbia Utilities Director Tad Johnsen will retire effective March 13, 2020, after 26 years of service with the City of Columbia.
Johnsen began his career with the City of Columbia in 1994 with Columbia Parks and Recreation as the "electrical guy." In 1996, Johnsen transferred to Columbia Water & Light working at the Municipal Power Plant. Johnsen was promoted to plant manager in 2000 before being tapped by then City Manager Bill Watkins for the role of Director of Water & Light in 2010. In 2015, Water & Light, sewer, stormwater and solid waste utilities were all incorporated as City of Columbia Utilities adding additional oversight to Johnsen’s responsibilities.
"I have enjoyed my 26 years working at various positions, bringing forward new ideas, working with great people and serving our residents’ utilities needs," Johnsen said. "I feel very lucky to have been part of the working family at the City of Columbia and I am looking forward to spending more time with family and friends and pursuing existing hobbies."
City Manager John Glascock will be evaluating the process used to choose the next Utilities director.
"I am grateful and proud of what Tad and his team have accomplished and his time and dedication to the wellbeing of our community's public utilities," Glascock said. "Tad is a great example of the highly-skilled staff we have at the City. His knowledge of utilities, dedication to our residents and his team, and his friendship will be missed."
City of Columbia Utilities is responsible for the administration, direction, and coordination of all utility services of the City. This includes water, electric, sewer, stormwater and solid waste. The largest department within the City, the five utilities employ 620 team members with an annual budget of $240 million.
A recent photo of Tad Johnsen is attached -
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