Central Arkansas Water names Blake Weindorf as COO

Central Arkansas Water named Blake Weindorf to replace Thad Luther as the new Chief Operating Officer upon Luther’s retirement.

Weindorf currently serves as CAW’s Director of Distribution. He has also held positions in both the Engineering and Water Quality departments.

“Blake’s experience working in multiple CAW departments, demonstrated leadership and commitment to CAW’s Mission and Values made him an unequaled candidate for COO,” Human Resources Director Glenda Bunch said.

Luther and Weindorf will spend the next month transitioning. Weindorf will officially move to his new role once the Director of Distribution position is filled. Luther will retire in March after more than 14 years with CAW.

“The transition from Thad to his successor is a critical time in CAW’s operations,” CEO Tad Bohannon said. “I do not think most people are aware of how much Thad does for CAW. Under prior leadership he was responsible for every department within the utility. While we have reorganized to move some of his past responsibilities to others, he has remained a go-to advisor for everyone. The Board of Commissions and I trust his expertise and impeccable judgement. The vast knowledge he brings to help solved problems encountered by the utility will be greatly missed. While he will transition from COO to special projects after the first of the year, he will remain an essential part of the CAW team until his retirement in March.”

Weindorf is a board-certified Environmental Engineer, Registered Professional Engineer, and Registered Class 4 Water Treatment and Distribution Operator.

Earlier this year, the Southwest Section of the American Water Works Association presented Weindorf with the prestigious Fuller Award in recognition of his significant contribution to the water industry. He also received the 2016 Kellogg Leadership Award from the association.

He has two decades of experience in the water and wastewater industries. As Director of Distribution, he oversees about 145 employees and operations at four facilities. Weindorf has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Louisiana Tech University. He’s an active member of the Little Rock Engineers Club, Southwest Section AWWA, and Arkansas Water Works and Water Environment Association, having served as past chair of the latter two organizations.

“Blake is a critical part of CAW’s exceptional team for today and tomorrow,” Bohannon said. “His willingness to tackle any challenge and his commitment to provide outstanding service – to the utility and its customers, the water industry as a whole, and the various water associations – are remarkable. We (CAW and the industry) are very lucky to have Blake working hard in the public sector to deliver safe, high quality, low cost, abundant, and dependable water to the residents of the State of Arkansas.”