Page 21 - SeptOct2021Vol33No3

OAK RIDGE By Lauren Gray
Shira Ann McWaters Remembered

The City of Oak Ridge which both reduced costs and Shira’s sudden passing was a shock to all
is mourning the loss of improved performance. She who knew her. In the relatively short time
Public Works Director Shira also recognized the need to she had been with the City of Oak Ridge she
McWaters. replace the City’s aging water had demonstrated a strong knowledge in
“Today we have lost a filtration plant and developed water and wastewater treatment and was
colleague and a friend,” said strategies to do so with the working to expand her knowledge in the other
City Manager Mark Watson. least financial impact to the areas and functions under the public works
“Our hearts are with Shira’s water rate payers.
husband, children and family as “Shira will long be umbrella. She was very supportive in sending
we share some small measure remembered for her unique employees to TPWI to further their knowledge
of their grief at the loss of this pairing of incredible of the various tasks, duties and activities
vibrant woman.” intelligence, keen insight and performed in public works.
McWaters came to the City of Oak Ridge problem-solving skills with unending – John Calvert, TPWI Director
in March of 2016, taking the helm of the compassion,” Watson said. “Among just a
Department which is responsible for much handful of female Public Works directors I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Shira
of the City’s essential infrastructure, from in the state of Tennessee, she was a pioneer in person, but when I called her out of the
streets to drainage to water and wastewater. and a one-of-a-kind person who we were blue and asked her to participate as a
She was a high-energy, involved leader honored to have known.” panelist in a virtual branch meeting, she
who focused on maintaining the long- McWaters died on Saturday, June 19, didn’t hesitate, so that speaks volumes of
term viability of facilities in her charge 2021, after a short illness. She was 60 years her character and willingness to serve. I was
while protecting and improving the old. hoping to catch up with her when we could
City’s environment. Some of her many Patrick Berge, Public Works Utility meet again in person, but that wasn’t meant
accomplishments included establishing Manager, has been appointed Interim to be. She will be missed!
a planned program for facility capital Public Works Director while the City – Bryon Fortner, TCAPWA
investment and leading the charge to evaluates this important leadership Upper East Branch Director
make upgrades at the wastewater plant position.

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