SPRINGDALE — The Water and Sewer Commission selected Terry Phillips on Thursday to serve as the interim executive director for the utility.
Rene Langston, executive director for 32 years, announced he’s retiring Nov. 1. Phillips will serve as interim until a director is picked, said Chris Weiser, commission chairman.
“Terry will keep us running until we replace a man who is going to be very difficult to replace,” Weiser said.
The commission, appointed by the City Council, governs the Springdale Water Utilities. The executive director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the utility and meeting the short- and long-term goals of the commission, according to the utilities’ employee handbook. The director reports to the commission.
Phillips also served as interim executive director from May 2004 to November 2004 while Langston was on a leave of absence to take care of family matters.
Phillips said he will apply for the permanent job.
Weiser said he expects several applicants for the position.
“This is a coveted place to work because of the work (Langston) has done,” Weiser said.
A time frame for filling the position should be set at the next commission meeting at 9 a.m. Oct. 31.