Rich was surrounded by colleagues, friends and family last week as he said farewell after 42 years of employment with MSD.  Rich served as Director of Engineering for 13 years and held various other roles over his tenure. He also served as the Secretary for the SLC3 Board and as Board of Director on behalf of MSD. Rich served on the Executive Committee for seven years and recently resigned from his post. Here is our interview with Rich as we all say farewell!

  1. When it comes to your time at MSD, what would you say is the legacy you leave behind?
    “Helping lead the successful delivery of one of the largest regulatory wastewater capital programs in not just the region but the entire US. With significant work still to come, I look forward to observing future success, from afar!!  I will also add that my almost 40 years at MSD have provided me with a real sense of accomplishment.”
  2. What were you hoping to do when you graduated college?
    “After I navigated all the obstacles (self-inflicted) just to graduate.  I was seeking a Civil Engineering career in the municipal public works sector.  I think I succeeded!!”
  1. Did you fulfill your goals in your career?
    “Absolutely.  If so, what helped you achieve them? Always having great support from family, friends, leaders, staff, co-workers, and subordinates.  Making sure I kept a solid work/life balance. Which MSD allowed me to do. There are always obstacles; try not to think about them!”
  1. What are you most proud of looking back at your career?
    “I think my ability to always stay forward-thinking, thinking out of the box, always looking at ways to work smarter. “
  1. What will you miss most in retirement?
    “Obviously, my co-workers and my relationships with industry leaders, and our consultants and contractors.”
  2. What advice would you give to emerging leaders today?
    “Stay focused and don’t overthink things. Think about what it takes to get the job done, be confident in your decision-making, not about what could go wrong.  What should they not do?  If something does not go as planned, don’t focus on what went wrong; focus on a solution first, then circle back to assess how to avoid any repeats.  I don’t know anyone who can change the past!”
  3. Lastly, you have been a part of SLC3 for many years. What drove you to be a leader and a supporter?
    “What can I say, SLC3 has helped me as a leader by allowing interaction with all levels of our construction community.  I specifically enjoyed the SLC3 owners chat, which I enjoyed leading and participating.  SLC3 offers education, thought sharing, and of course socializing.
  1. What thoughts do you have for our members?
    “Participate whenever you can.  Don’t just attend the offerings but truly take advantage of what others have to offer by sharing who your organization is, how your organization does things, how your organization impacts the St. Louis region.  People don’t always know what you do if you don’t take the time to tell them.  We all have very demanding jobs, but learning new things never gets old.”