Alliance Water Resources announces that Sandy Neal, former VP/Director of Business Development and Human Resources, has been appointed as the new Alliance president.
Dale Wagner, who is the owner of the company and has served as President since 2012, will remain involved in his role as Chairman of the Board. Wagner says “I’ve always been impressed with Sandy’s skills and passion. I am looking forward to the infusion of that passion into her new position and have the utmost confidence in her abilities.”
Neal began her career with Alliance Water Resources 17 years ago as the Human Resources Manager. In her time she has served in a variety of capacities. In February of 2012 she was promoted to VP/Director of Business Development and Human Resources and Corporate Compliance Officer. She says she has watched the company grow, as simultaneously, she has watched families within the company grow - including her own.
Regarding her many roles as part of the Alliance team, Neal has been fortunate to be involved in almost every aspect of the business from operations, management, training, safety, regulatory compliance and business development. She says Alliance is a company of opportunities, full of professional and dedicated people who believe in the work they do for the communities they serve.
Perpetuating a strong culture at Alliance is one of Neal’s priorities, who believes the people genuinely enjoy what they do and working together. “It’s a company of great story tellers,” she says. “Stories that I was told when I first started are still being told today, and have become a sort of company folklore that brings us all together.” Neal says she sees her job as being a steward of this culture. Another focus for Neal will be to nurture company growth. She says, “Our company is growing and it’s important that our executive leadership team is on track strategically and focused on the continued growth of the company while keeping the company culture intact.” The executive team will consist of seasoned members within the company, including Vice President and Director of Operations Tim Geraghty, Director of Finance Ann Perkins and Neal.
The corporate support management team is comprised of highly qualified subject matter experts, including Human Resource Manager, Shawn Middendorf, Safety and Compliance Manager, Mark Mahler and Computer Services Manager, Anthony Hays. Neal says that each of the team members is a long-term Alliance employee with anywhere from 16 – 24 years of service. “All of us have benefited from the company’s strong commitment to employee development and internal promotion opportunities. We are dedicated to ensuring that those who work with us and follow us are provided with similar positive experiences.”
“I’m humbled and honored to be in this position today”, says Neal, who believes that keeping water safe and clean is important to every living soul on this planet. “I’m hopeful I can continue to offer some level of support to the water and wastewater utility professionals who work hard to make sure we drink, swim in, farm and play in water that is of the highest quality possible.”