FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bill Watkins, City Manager - (573) 874-6338

Toni Messina, Director, Public Communications - (573) 874-7660

Tad Johnsen - (573) 874-6236

City manager names Water and Light director

COLUMBIA, MO (June 30, 2010) - City Manager Bill Watkins today announced the appointment of Tad A. Johnsen as director, Columbia Water & Light Department, effective July 11, 2010. Johnsen will be paid an annual salary of $130,000 and will receive a car allowance and other authorized employee benefits. He replaces Interim Water & Light Director Mike Schmitz, who will retire July 10.

Johnsen now is power production superintendent with the city’s Water & Light Department. He joined the department in 1994, moving up to increasingly responsible positions during his tenure. Other experience includes nine years with Tengco Inc., a global manufacturer of custom industrial parts with offices in Jonesburg, Mo., and other locations.

Johnsen was one of three finalists considered for the position. Also considered were Timothy G. Luchsinger, assistant utility director at the Grand Island, Neb., Utility Department, and Mack Thompson, former vice-president, American Municipal Power, in Columbus, Ohio.

According to Watkins, Johnsen’s on-the-ground familiarity with Water & Light contributed to his qualifications. “We said we wanted a visionary leader who could build on the accomplishments of an excellent workforce, pursue innovative water and energy practices and work well with citizens and organizations. Tad has demonstrated that he can accept this role and run with it.”

Johnsen said that he looks forward to leading the department through future challenges and opportunities. “This department has a good history of working with the community that I feel is important as we develop new resources and improve service to meet future needs,” Johnsen said.

Columbia has been Johnsen’s home since 1979. Johnsen earned his bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri in 1988 and is a Missouri sports fan and a volunteer with the Challenger Baseball League. He and his wife Vicki have six children and four grandchildren.

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