A Change In The Current

WSSC Names First Woman to Lead Water Utility in Nearly 100 Years

      
By Marc Hopkins // Photo By Carol Day

Carla A. Reid has dealt a significant blow to the proverbial glass ceiling that’s kept women and people of color from reaching the upper echelons of corporate power.

In January, Reid became the first woman in WSSC’s 98-year history to lead the agency as its general manager and chief executive officer. 

“This is an unbelievable opportunity to come home to lead WSSC, which is so crucial to this community and essential to every aspect of our lives,” said Reid, who started her 20-year career at WSSC in 1986.

“I look forward to once again serving our customers and providing even greater levels of customer service,” she said. “And I am pleased to be back working with the men and women of WSSC who are so dedicated to the work and to our customers.”

Reid previously worked for the water utility for two decades, eventually serving as deputy general manager from 2005-2006. Additionally, she also served as chief of mission support, chief of customer care, meter services division manager, northern meter operations section head, meter maintenance head, field operations supervisor and civil engineer.

Before Reid returned to WSSC, she served in positions for both Montgomery and Prince George’s County governments. Reid worked for Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III’s staff as deputy chief administrative officer for economic development and public infrastructure. In this position, she led all operations related to economic development including permitting, transportation, environmental matters, and tourism.

 In 2007, Reid served as the director of the Department of Permitting Service for Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett.

Reid earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Howard University and a master’s degree in human resource management from the University of Maryland, University College.