New director of Environmental Utilities to help remedy water issues

Marjorie Craig, former deputy public services director/ city engineer for Dania Beach, Florida, has been hired as the environmental utilities department director for the city of St. Cloud. 

Craig began working for the city on May 4, and follows Brian Wheeler who had been serving as the city’s interim director. Wheeler will transition to a supportive role as a key part of the professional team working on resolving water issues. “Marjorie brings significant knowledge and experience to this critically important position,” said St. Cloud City Manager Bill Sturgeon. “She is well-qualified to lead the team on resolution of the water issues that have challenged the city, and she brings a strong environmental background and utilities leadership experience that will prove beneficial for protecting our natural resources while the utility system grows with our community.” 

Numerous residents have experienced “orange” water and sediment coming out of their taps and into their washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances. The cause of the problem has been Miex resin, used in the treatment of raw water at the plant, getting through damaged filters and into the water distribution system. The major subdivisions affected so far have been located between Old Canoe Creek and Canoe Creek roads.
For the last year, the city’s Utilities Department has been replacing filters and other infrastructure at the city’s Water Plant No. 4 to eliminate the problem.

Craig has a masters in civil engineering, a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering and is a graduate of the American Water Works Association Utility Management Institute. Her professional strengths and career highlights include crafting a departmental strategic plan around building a resilient utility, and building working relationships with local and state governmental and regulatory agencies, the business community, and elected leaders on planning and implementing several regional initiatives. She also served two terms as a commissioner on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Regulation Commission.

Additionally, Craig served as utilities director for Polk County; associate vice president for AECOM Technical Services, Inc. and as director of the water supply department for the South Florida Water Management District. She has worked for the cities of West Palm Beach and for many years with Tampa, and over the course of her career, has been recognized numerous times for leadership, expertise and community engagement. 

“St. Cloud is a fantastic place to live, work, and play, and I intend to be here for the long haul. I’m looking forward to working with our team addressing current water concerns, developing a strategic plan to address the significant growth the city is experiencing while providing a high level of customer service. I’m also equally enthusiastic about getting to know the community better,” Craig said. “My husband and I have spent a good deal of time in St. Cloud over the last 15 years and love it. I understand the complexity of water resource issues and the regulatory challenges for local utility, business, and farming members of our community. I have a deep appreciation of the city’s culture, history, and commitment to smart growth with a clear priority of protecting quality of life for our citizens.”