LYNNWOOD — Seven months after a vote of no-confidence in the previous general manager, Alderwood Water and Wastewater District’s Board of Commissioners has selected John McClellan to take over.
McClellan has served as interim general manager for the past six months since Dick McKinley retired in November following complaints of creating a “culture of fear” and a “hostile,” “toxic” work environment. McKinley, who was hired in August 2020, reportedly forced employees to work “to the point of anguish, tears and physical pain,” district records show.
McKinley’s unanimous vote of no-confidence came by way of secret ballot from the wastewater district’s union. In a corresponding letter, a union representative said McKinley’s “short tenure has been marked by an utter disregard for the day to day well being of the staff.”
McKinley was put on paid administrative leave before retiring on Nov. 6.
The same day as McKinley’s vote of no-confidence, the union also unanimously voted no-confidence in the wastewater district’s board of commissioners, stating “the actions and/or inaction of this board as it relates to the soon to be retired general manager have created an atmosphere of strife and turmoil.”
The board has now appointed McClellan as general manager, announcing the move this week.
“Over the past six months, it became increasingly obvious that the best candidate for this role was already serving as our interim General Manager,” said Dean Lotz, president of the board, in a press release. “The Board was impressed by John’s consistent and collaborative leadership, his knowledge of the district, his industry expertise, and his positive, existing relationships with staff, Commissioners, and the larger water and sewer community.”
McClellan is a professional engineer and has worked primarily in the public sector, including 15 years with Everett Public Works. He was hired as engineering and development director in November 2017.
Alderwood, located in Lynnwood, is the state’s largest special purpose water and sewer district. It serves more than 250,000 people in southwest Snohomish County, spans about 40 square miles and employs about 147 people, according Michael Kundu, the company’s communications and resiliency planner.
“John has also earned the respect of his peers at other municipalities,” Lotz said. “The AWWD Board and I look forward to continue working with John as we strive to provide the best possible water and sewer service to our ratepayers.”
McClellan started at general manager on Monday.
Kayla J. Dunn: 425-339-3449; kayla.dunn@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @KaylaJ_Dunn.
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