Regional water agency executive director retires after 31 years of service

After over three decades of leadership, Brian Perkovich has retired from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

The board shared Perkovich’s journey; he began working in the district in 1993 as an assistant civil engineer, after years he became executive director in 2018. 

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to projects, ideas, and moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Perkovich reflected during his farewell address at the board’s meeting on March 20. 

Colleagues praised Perkovich’s impact. President Kari Steele highlighted his compassionate leadership during the pandemic, noting the difficult decision to allow remote work when few government agencies were doing so. “When we made the decision to prioritize staff health, Brian was willing to take that stand,” Steele said.

Under Perkovich’s leadership, the District implemented initiatives, including expanding green infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and introducing combined heat and power systems to maximize energy efficiency.

“Success isn’t just about what we accomplish, but how we become along the way,” he told his colleagues. Looking ahead, Perkovich plans to explore new adventures, including potentially learning to play the drums and spending more time with his family.

That morning, the board approved a contract awarding IHC Construction Companies, LLC up to $14,937,300 to carry out chemical phosphorus removal at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant. 

The project aims to move toward curbing nutrient pollution and safeguarding local waterways. As part of the contract, IHC Construction Companies, LLC was required to meet the District’s plan focusing on supplier diversity.