BIG BEAR CITY, CA – Steven Schindler, the General Manager for the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency (BBARWA), announced he will retire as the head of the organization on May 1, 2017. Schindler will leave the organization after serving as its chief executive for more than half of the Agency’s existence and longest tenured employee; with over 24 years at BBARWA and over 34 years serving the public in southern California; “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Big Bear Valley, the Governing Board and staff,” said Schindler. “Together we have made BBARWA a strong organization, an organization well positioned to continue providing unsurpassed service to the Big Bear Valley. I’m proud of our progress and position and am now ready to explore the next chapter of my life.”
Schindler assumed the leadership of BBARWA during a volatile time in the organization’s history. Under his leadership and insightfulness, BBARWA continues to provide uninterrupted superior award winning service, strengthened financial leadership and controls, and transparency, through good governance and operational improvements.
When asked, Schindler is quick to respond “I did not do this by myself; it was and is a team effort; by the governing board, staff-and consultants.” “While some periods were challenging, we, as a team upgraded undersized and failing facilities, moved from multi-agency operating contracts to self- staffing, stabilized rates at or near inflation levels, embarked on strategic planning and capital projects which reduced labor and benefit costs, reduced inflow and infiltration and stabilized solids disposal and power costs.”
“BBARW A is a much better organization because of Steve,” said John Green, Chairman of the BBARW A Board. “He led the organization through more than one difficult period, and we are now a more accountable, transparent, and smarter organization. We will miss him and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
The BBARWA Governing Board will conduct an immediate and exhaustive search for his replacement.
