ATLANTA -- Mayor Shirley Franklin, joined by members of the Atlanta City Council and other members of her cabinet, today announced that Jack E. Ravan is the nominee for the newly created position of Commissioner of Watershed Management. Ravan has served as the president of Perma-Fix Government Services Company since 1999. Perma-Fix provides waste treatment services for various facilities worldwide.
Mayor Franklin says, “I am pleased to announce the nomination of Jack Ravan for this very important position. All areas of water services are at a critical juncture in our city and across the nation, it is important that we place emphasis on these very important issues. I believe Jack Ravan is the correct person to lead us through this challenging arena. He has distinguished himself in the corporate world and government sector and he brings much needed experience to this position.”
This new department of Watershed Management will bring all water-related services under one umbrella. The department will encompass the Bureau of Engineering Services; Bureau of Sewer Services; the Bureau of Wastewater Services and the Bureau of Water.
Mr. Ravan has a wealth of experience in the watershed management. He served four years as the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama State Docks Department where he managed a $60 million dollar revenue producing maritime with responsibility for working with federal, state, county and city officials on a variety of projects. Her served two years as the Director of the Environmental Policy Center and also served three years as the president of Rollins Environment Services, a technological leader for commercial incineration in the chemical waste treatment and disposal industry.
Mayor Franklin added, “ Jack’s experience with the Environmental Protection Agency as the Regional Administrator for the southeastern region will also prove very beneficial as we address many of the issues before us. In order to meet the terms of the Consent Decree of 3 billion dollars in sewer improvements, we need leadership by an individual who understands and can manage the day to day operation of such a large and complex project. I am extremely confident that Jack Ravan is the best person for us at this time.”
In accepting the appointment, Ravan said, “I am pleased to have this opportunity to work with Mayor Franklin and her team. A priority of my job will be to make certain ratepayers get maximum service for their dollars. Atlanta as is most of the country is at a critical point in relation to water services I look forward to using my expertise to assist the Mayor and City Council in fulfilling their objectives for the City of Atlanta.”
Mayor Franklin thanked the search firm of Russell, Reynolds and Associates particularly Joe Spence and Chris Martin for their support in this process.