FWRJ READER PROFILE What education and training have you had? S Bachelor of science in civil engineering, University of Florida, 1998 S Master of engineering, University of Florida, 2000 S Professional engineer, State of Florida, 2004 S Currently pursuing a master of public administration from Troy University, expecting to graduate in 2018
Monica M. Autrey, P.E Destin Water Users Inc.
Work title and years of service. I’m the operations manager at Destin Water Users. I started working for the organization in 2010. What does your job entail? My job is to ensure that we are providing reliable services to our customers, as well as meeting all regulatory requirements. I currently oversee seven departments of the organization, including engineering. I’m active in reviewing new and large developments for compliance with our specifications; large purchases of new equipment, such as pumps and filters; and dealing with regulatory agencies for permit compliance and modifications.
Most of my continuing education comes from annual conferences, such as the Florida Water Resources Conference and the FSAWWA Fall Conference. This past June I had my first trip to the AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) and it was very enlightening. I usually attend the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) when it’s held in New Orleans, and I gain invaluable information there, as well. What do you like best about your job? The best part of my job is that no two days are alike. I work with a great group of employees at the utility. I love the fact that we help people every day with an essential resource, yet we are often not thought of unless there is a problem. What professional organizations do you belong to? I’m currently a member of the following: S Florida Section AWWA (Region IX chair) S Florida Water Environment Association (WEF member)
S Florida Engineering Society - Emerald Coast Chapter (state director and scholarship chair) S Northwest Florida Utility Managers Council (secretary/treasurer) S Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (treasurer) How have the organizations helped your career? The FSAWWA has exposed me to a large group of people around the state with similar missions and objectives. I’ve been able to collaborate with other state officers on important issues for our utility, as well as the state, such as reclaimed water and aquifer storage and recovery. In addition, I’ve learned about other programs and training opportunities to participate in around Florida. As I’m pursuing my MPA, I was selected by FSAWWA for a Roy Likins Scholarship to help offset tuition costs. The support of the organization through this scholarship helps to motivate me to complete my degree while working. In addition, I’ve been able to meet a lot of current and former scholarship winners who also provide encouragement as I work toward my goal. What do you like best about the industry? As a member of the water utility industry, I like that we are a necessary resource and our customers depend on us daily. As an engineer, I enjoy helping developers shape their vision of a project to fit within our service area, as well as improving the performance of the components of our utility through new technology. What do you do when you’re not working? If I’m not at work, my favorite place to be is on the water, either fishing or just cruising, as well as at the beach. I love spending time with my family and scrapbooking the memories. I actively volunteer for the Fort Walton Beach High School Viking Band, where I’m serving as the vice president, while my daughter is a member of the color guard. In addition, I help with the various professional S organizations of which I’m a member.
Autrey reviews plans for a new apartment complex being planned for Destin’s service area.
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Autrey discusses adjustments with Robb Hensel, project manager, for the US Highway 98 utility relocation project.
September 2017 • Florida Water Resources Journal