The board of directors of Connecticut Water Service Inc. unanimously approved the promotion of Craig J. Patla to vice president of service delivery for The Connecticut Water Co., effective April 1, 2014. In this new role, Patla will oversee the company's operations, engineering, water quality and service delivery teams.
Patla is a licensed professional engineer and a certified water distribution operator who began his career at Connecticut Water in 1990. He joined the company as an engineer, overseeing the design and construction of various water infrastructure projects including water treatment plants, pump stations, and water main installations. Patla has assumed increasing levels of responsibility in the organization, most recently as director of service delivery, providing leadership and direction for the 100 water professionals who deliver water service from source to tap for the 300,000 people served by Connecticut Water in 56 communities across Connecticut.
"Craig is extremely knowledgeable of our systems and operations, is passionate about our mission, and honors and reflects our core values,” said Eric W. Thornburg, president and CEO of Connecticut Water. “He is a natural and accomplished leader, who has embraced his role as the director of service delivery, leading his teams to meet numerous operational challenges and to deliver world class customer service."
Patla is an active member of the water industry professional association, American Water Works Assn., serving on various committees including as chair of the standards committee for ductile iron pipe and fittings.
Patla's predecessor, Terrance P. O'Neill recently retired from the position of vice president, service delivery after 35 years of service to the company.
Source: Connecticut Water Co.