Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
Protecting our most precious resource requires the dedication and hard work of committed employees. LRWRA is committed to providing excellent quality sewer services for both residential and business customers as it keeps water resources safe for wildlife and human reuse. The employees of LRWRA are dedicated professionals who work to provide a safe and clean environment for our City. LRWRA is recognized as a leader in the State of Arkansas. Numerous awards have been received from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Association of Metropolitan Sewage Agencies.
The Collection System Maintenance Department is responsible for maintenance and repairs to all assets within the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) sanitary sewer collection system and fleet. The department is comprised of three sections: Cleaning & Inspection (C&I), Construction & Repairs (C&R), and Fleet Maintenance. These sections complement each other in accomplishing internal and external tasks that provide sanitary sewer services and excellent customer services to the residents of Little Rock. The personnel in all three sections work collaboratively and continually strive to find innovative ways to adequately maintain the collection system.
Annual production goals are established for the field crews in both sections above and communicated to the respective crews to create both a sense of accomplishment and an environment of accountability.
Fleet Services: This section provides all fleet support services for Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority and Central Arkansas Water (CAW). This section also performs the inspections for LRWRA’s vehicle replacement program, which is aimed at optimizing the life of the vehicles used by the utility. The fleet team maintains more than one thousand (1,000) vehicles and pieces of equipment between both agencies, and consequently plays an integral role in both the sanitary sewer services provided to the City of Little Rock and the water services provided to CAW’s service area.
Administer all functions within the Engineering Division, including wastewater engineering, capital improvement plan administration, and collection system administration. The Engineering Division ensures that the Utility’s short- and long-term goals are implemented as effectively as possible while ensuring accountability, accuracy and customer and ratepayer satisfaction.
The Environmental Affairs Division (EA) supports LRWRA’s compliance with state and federal environmental regulations through quality-assured environmental sampling and testing services, and the management of industrial discharges to the wastewater collection and treatment system. EA performs regularly-scheduled compliance support activities and assists other LRWRA departments with special projects. EA includes the Sampling Collection, Compliance Laboratory, Quality Assurance, and Industrial Pretreatment Sections.
The Finance Division is responsible for all financial information and reporting, purchasing of and payment for all LRWRA equipment and supplies, and customer service support. Specifically, the Accounting and Procurement Departments make up the Division of Finance. These two departments complement each other in accomplishing internal and external customer satisfaction. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Information Services, and Security are also functions of Finance.
LRWRA’s administration is comprised of Human Resources, Legal, Customer Assistance, Administrative Support, and Community and Media Relations. Human Resources is responsible for compensation, employee benefits, employee relations, employment policies, procedures, and professional development. Administrative Support coordinates clerical assistance to all divisions while creating, planning, and implementing LRWRA-sponsored employee activities and events. Community Relations coordinates all public and media communication, represents LRWRA in the public and develops public education and outreach programs, creates, edits and distributes all publications, and develops and coordinates presentations for public meetings (civic, residential, governmental and trade association meetings and exhibits). Customer Assistance also responds to residential damage claims, and general inquiries.
The Facilities Asset Management Division is responsible for preventative, predictive, and proactive maintenance of over 8,000 facility assets. This division also assumes the responsibility of ensuring that all Facilities Asset equipment is operational when needed to meet discharge permit requirements. This is done by using the most appropriate and effective tools, techniques, and technologies available. The Facilities Asset Management Division includes the following groups: Mechanical/Generation, Electrical, HVAC, Buildings & Grounds, Instrumentation, Asset Reliability, and Asset Management. The roles of these groups require auditing all facility processes for optimum maintenance performance at the Administrative and Maintenance Complex in addition to three water reclamation facilities, 34 pump stations, and our peak flow attenuation facilities.
In August 2023, Jean Block became the sixth Chief Executive Officer and the first woman to lead the organization in the Utility’s history. She is responsible for leading the largest wastewater system in Arkansas with 221 employees. Prior to her role as CEO, Jean served as Chief Legal Officer at the utility for seven and a half years. She was responsible for all legal and compliance issues, including contracts, personnel matters, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Utility's state and federal Government Relations efforts. She also had oversight responsibility for the Human Resources and Environmental Affairs departments. In 2020, she founded LRWRA’s employee resource group, the “Women of Water.” Jean is a board member for UA-Little Rock’s College of Business, CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, and 1st Vice President of the Arkansas Water and Wastewater Manager’s Association. She has been named to Arkansas Business’ 40 under 40, recognized by the Museum of Discovery for innovation in S.T.E.M. fields by receiving the “Spark! Star” award, and was named a Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas in 2023. Jean holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law. She served on the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission from August 2011 through August 2015. Jean is originally from Mill Valley, California.
Michael Rhoda, a certified public accountant, joined Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority as Chief Financial Officer in July 2019. He is responsible for Accounting and Finance; as well as Procurement, Information Services and Risk Management-Safety. Michael has more than 35 years of experience including six years in public accounting, 24 years in telecommunications where he held various finance, marketing, operations and government affairs leadership positions and six years as owner and operator of small local family-owned franchise business. Michael is a 1982 graduate of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois where he earned a B.S. in Accounting.
J. Ryan Benefield, P.E., is the Chief Operating Officer at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) with oversite responsibilities for Engineering, Treatment Facility Operations, and Maintenance. He has over 27 years of experience in engineering project design and construction management, project financing, and regulatory compliance. Ryan joined the LRWRA Team in June 2024. Before this role, he worked nine years as the Deputy Director and Chief Engineer at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and 11 years at the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality, including as Director of the State Agency. Ryan holds an Arkansas Professional Engineer License and earned his degree in geological engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Deanna Ray serves as the Chief Legal Officer for the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority. In this role, she is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and C-Staff Team. She provides counsel to management, employees, and the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission on legal and compliance matters, including environmental regulations and permits, easements, procurement, contract, employment and construction law, and Arkansas Freedom of Information Act issues. She directly supervises, advises, and develops two departments and has oversight responsibility for Human Resources and Environmental Affairs, which includes legal and governmental relations. Prior to her time at LRWRA, Ms. Ray served as Senior Assistant District Counsel and Team Lead for the Little Rock District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She was appointed Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas and the Western District of Missouri. She was responsible for leading the Civil Works, Criminal, and Environmental Law Team and providing legal guidance on real estate and environmental issues, as well as guidance to the Table Rock Lake Project Office. She was also assigned to other litigation and operations projects. Before joining USACE, Ms. Ray worked for the State of Arkansas for more than seven years. Most recently, she served as an Attorney Specialist for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration (ABC), where she regulated the sale of alcohol and helped usher in medical marijuana availability in Arkansas. While at ABC, she was appointed by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve as Interim Director of ABC. Before working for ABC, Ms. Ray served as Associate General Counsel for the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC). Ms. Ray worked for Wilson & Associates, a private real estate law firm, preceding her time in state government. Ms. Ray is a Little Rock, Arkansas native. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and history from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Arkansas. Ms. Ray is married and has two daughters. Ms. Ray gives back to her community through various non-profit organizations across the region. She is a Junior League of Little Rock member and serves on the boards of Audubon Delta; Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas; the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers; Overton Inns of Court; and Ozark Land Trust.
Walter Collins, P.E., earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Memphis State University. Walter has served as the Director of Operations at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority since March 2014. He has spent his 28 year professional career in wastewater serving utilities in Jacksonville and Little Rock. Previously at LRWRA he held positions including Staff Engineer, Sr. Staff Engineer, Engineering Supervisor and Superintendent at Fourche Creek Treatment Facility. Walter holds an Arkansas Professional Engineers License as well as an Arkansas Class IV Wastewater Treatment Operator's License. He is active in professional organizations and holds leadership positions in Arkansas Water Works & Water Environment Association (AWW & WEA).
Harold Hounwanou, P.E., serves the Little Rock residents as LRWRA’s Director of Collection System Maintenance. Harold joined the LRWRA Team in April 2017 as a Utility Worker on the Manhole Adjustment/Rehab Crew and was promoted to Project Administrator (Developer-Funded) in July 2018. These previous roles gave him an understanding of the vital importance of the service LRWRA provides to the Little Rock community and reinforced his commitment to public service. He was promoted to Director of Collection System Maintenance in May 2021. Harold is originally from Benin, West Africa, where he received his first degree in Water Resources Engineering in 2011. Inspired by the challenges related to both clean drinking water access and adequate sanitation in his home country, he pursued higher education in the United States, with the hope to learn enough to begin some effort toward improving the living conditions in his country. He learned English at Henderson State University and earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering in 2018 from North Carolina State University. In November 2020, Harold earned his Professional Engineers license in the State of Arkansas.
Rebecca Burkman serves as the Director of Environmental Affairs for LRWRA. She oversees the Compliance Laboratory, Environmental Sampling, Industrial Pretreatment, and Quality Assurance sections. Rebecca began her journey with LRWRA in June of 2017 as a Lab Tech and was promoted to Lab Administrator in September 2019. After serving in an interim capacity for four months, she was promoted to Director of Environmental Affairs in April 2022. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She then attended graduate school at the University of Maryland Global Campus where she earned a Master of Science in Environmental Management and a Master of Business Administration. Rebecca is active with the Arkansas Water Works & Water Environment Association and currently serves as the Director of the Central District.
Les Price, P.E., is the Director of Engineering Services at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA). He has over 30 years of experience in water and wastewater project design and construction management. In 2022, Les joined LRWRA as the Engineering Manager of Developer-Funded, FOG, and Service Line Replacement programs. Before this role, he worked as a Staff Engineer, Partner, and Corporate Officer at a civil and environmental consulting firm. Les is an active member of the Little Rock Engineers Club and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He has served on the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas Board and the AWEA Collection System Certification Committee. Les holds an Arkansas Professional Engineer License and earned his degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas.
Angela Brooks is the Director of Human Resources at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, where she oversees all human resources functions for over 200 full-time employees. Her role is critical in aligning the executive leadership team's vision with company policies and procedures. Angela has had a long and successful career in the Human Resources field, having worked for Pala Casino Spa Resort for 19 years, where she served as the Director of Human Resources in her last role. With her extensive experience, she brings valuable knowledge to the utility of staffing and recruitment, benefits administration, performance management, and employee relations. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a human resources management certificate from the University of Phoenix.
Doug Roe serves as the Director of Accounting and Finance at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA), where he oversees daily accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, procurement, and customer service. He is also responsible for preparing monthly financial statements, annual budgets and managing audits. Doug joined LRWRA in July 2024, bringing with him over 33 years of experience in telecommunications finance, operations, and HR, with the last 5 years spent as Corporate Controller for Vestcom. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration as well as an MBA from the University of Kansas. He has previously served as a member of the Arkansas E911 Board.
Kenetta Ridgell has worked in public relations and communications for 25 years, with experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She has been part of the team at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority for nine years and was promoted to her current role as Director of Communications and Community Engagement in June 2024. Kenetta serves on the Advisory Council for the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium (APAC) and the Volunteers in Public Schools Board of Directors. She serves as board secretary of the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds a Master of Arts in Communications from Webster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She also earned a Certified Public Manager certification and a Wastewater I operator's license. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXIX.
Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority is overseen jointly by the LRWRA Chief Executive Officer and the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission, which is comprised of seven members. These citizens, who are appointed by the Little Rock City Board of Directors, work closely with the LRWRA CEO in overseeing LRWRA operations. The City Board establishes sewer rates & approves certain financial matters, including the issuance of bonds.
The Commission meets at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority's Clearwater Administration Building at 11 Clearwater Drive in Little Rock. Meetings are subject to rescheduling. CLICK HERE to see our meeting calendar for up-to-date meeting dates and times. For more information, call (501) 376-2903.
To view the bylaws of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission, please CLICK HERE.
Jonathan Semans graduated from California State University in Fresno, CA in 1994 with a BS in Construction Management. He served as the Project Manager on major expansion projects for United Airlines and Continental Airlines as well as other transportation and government projects. Work on the William J. Clinton Presidential Library brought Jonathan to Arkansas where he led the design and construction team as Program Manager. After the completion of the library, he provided Owner’s Representation services for other high-profile construction projects such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center in Seattle, WA and locally with CareLink in North Little Rock. Jonathan took the role as the Central Arkansas Division Manager for CDI Contractors in 2010 where he has been a part of a team that successfully delivered several projects in the greater Little Rock region including the Robinson Center Expansion and Renovation project. His current term expires August 1, 2026.
Daryl Brown is the Director of External Affairs for the south region at MISO Energy. He is a Mississippi native and began his career at Southern Company, leading teams at Mississippi and Georgia Power Company for 23 years. Since then, Commissioner Brown has held leadership positions at Current (a GE company) and Hitachi Global Social Innovation Business in Atlanta. He has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University and served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve for 17 years before being honorably discharged as a Major. In addition to serving as the primary internal and external leader for MISO’s South regional operations, customer management, and government relations, he is a member of the company’s executive team. He oversees the south regional customer integration efforts focusing on extending and protecting the organization's value. His current term ends August 1, 2029.
Prentice O’Guinn, III, is the Senior Vice President of Inside Sales (North America) for Priority1. He has 20 years of transformational leadership in the telecom industry, including serving as a Managing Partner at Verizon before accepting a position with Priority1. He is a graduate of Philander Smith College, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a United States Marine Corps veteran. His current term ends on August 1, 2028.
Schawnee Hightower is the Director of Business Sales for Verizon - Arkansas. In this role, he is responsible for sales, operations, and financial performance for the enterprise and business sales team in the state of Arkansas. Prior to this position, Hightower held several positions in leadership roles for the South Central region. He was the former President, Vice President, and General Manager for ALLTEL Corporation. In this role, he was responsible for sales, operations, and marketing for the wireless and wireline operations in Arkansas. Hightower has more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Schawnee Hightower graduated from Little Rock Central High and attended the University of Arkansas, where he majored in Political Science. He is President of the Positive Atmosphere Reaching Kids P.A.R.K Inc. board, serves on the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce executive board, and Club 99 of the Little Rock Rotary Club. He has served on several community projects and boards in his business career. His current term expires on August 1, 2028.
Chris Marsh graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management and a Masters of Applied Communication degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has continuing education studies from the University of Arizona, University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Arkansas. Chris is a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock where he also served on the Board of Trustees. He is a University of Arkansas for Medical Science consortium board member, founding member and chairman of Create Little Rock and serves on the Business advisory committee for Arkansas State University at Newport. He also volunteers at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, City Year, Argenta United Methodist Church Homeless Outreach, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Arkansas and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. He works at Global Real Estate Advisor where he is the Director of Marketing. He has also worked at Boyette Strategic Advisors, Entergy Arkansas, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link, Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce and Paragould/Greene County Chamber of Commerce. He is an innovative thinker with expertise in utility economic development, generational studies, workforce initiatives and public policy. His current term ends August 1, 2027.
As chief operating officer of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Clark provides critical oversight for the day-to-day operations of the state’s only academic medical center. She leads campus operations, information technology, police, security surveillance and emergency preparedness for UAMS. She also serves as a liaison for both internal and external stakeholders. Clark was appointed the institution’s first institution-wide chief operating officer in January 2019. Under her leadership, UAMS completed a $150 million energy project, which has and will continue to reduce carbon emissions by reducing energy use. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). She received her Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in health care from UALR in May 2017. Clark sits on the Little Rock Tech Park Board and serves as secretary/treasurer for the Proton Center of Arkansas board. Her current term ends August 1, 2029.
Lance Hines serves as City Director for Ward 5. He is a member of the Little Rock City Board having been elected to his first term in November 2010. He is Director of Sales and Business Development for Priority 1, Inc. Director Hines is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has a degree in General Business with an emphasis in Economics and Marketing. Born in Little Rock in 1968, he returned to the City in 1991 and has lived here since then. He has resided in Ward 5 since 2003. Prior to serving on the Little Rock City Board, he served as president of the Villages of Wellington Communication Association Board of Directors for two years. He also spent two years on the Architectural Control Committee for Villages of Wellington. Since joining the City Board, Director Hines has been actively involved in restructuring the Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment (PIT) programs. Those programs have transitioned to a new Request for Qualifications selection procedure instead of lowest-bid. He has also been involved in the planning for a PIT strategic planning process. Director Hines has been involved in many community organizations. He served for three years on the Board of Directors of Access Group, Inc. He is involved with his daughter's gymnastics parent association, currently serving as president. A member of Calvary Baptist Church, he serves with the TeamKid and Upward Basketball ministries. He and his wife Stacy have a daughter who attends the Little Rock public schools.
You are invited to attend the public meetings held by the Water Reclamation Commission, where decisions are made about the service we provide.
The Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting virtually on Wednesday, April 2nd, at 4:00 p.m. Any member of the public or media representative who would like to attend may do so in person or by watching online.