The Memphis City Council Tuesday approved Jerry Collins as the Interim Chief Utility Officer (CUO). Collins' recommendation was approved by the MLGW Board of Commissioners May 17. As the Interim CUO, Collins will oversee the day-to-day operations of the utility. Rick Masson will continue in his role as Interim President and CEO. Collins will also continue in his role as Director of Public Works for the City of Memphis.

"Jerry brings a wealth of talent and experience to MLGW. He is a professional engineer who has the needs and welfare of this city and its citizens foremost in his mind," Masson said. "I will continue in my role as Interim President and CEO. Together with Jerry, we, along with the employees of this great utility, are dedicated to serving our customers in the best way possible."

A Memphis native, Collins has served as Director of Public Works since 2000 and began his career with the City in 1979. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee and a licensed Class IV Wastewater Plant Operator.

Collins serves as the Vice President of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Public Works Association and formerly served as President of the Kentucky-Tennessee Water Pollution Control Association and on the Board of Directors for the international Water Environment Federation. He has received numerous awards for operational excellence and efficiency in the field of wastewater management, and under his leadership the City of Memphis went 22 years without a sewer rate increase. Collins was elected to the Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association Hall of Fame in 2002.

A former Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Memphis' Herff College of Engineering, Collins received a bachelor of science in civil engineering in 1975 and a master of science in civil engineering in 1976.