Mayor Ginther Appoints Kristen Atha Director of Public Utilities
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has appointed
Kristen Atha Director of Public Utilities. Atha most recently served as Vice
President, US West Region, Water Market Sector Leader, at AECOM in Columbus.
She replaces Tracie Davies who was named Delaware County Administrator in
October. Ann Aubry has been serving as interim director.
“Kristen has an impeccable
30-year career in municipal infrastructure,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “Her
leadership experience will direct our power, water and sewer divisions, in
addition to our sustainability efforts, during this critical time of growth in
Columbus.”
Atha has been at AECOM since
2016. Prior to that, she held executive positions at Brown Caldwell and Arcadis
and has also worked at Tetra Tech in Columbus and URS in Cincinnati. She has a
bachelor’s degree in business administration from Miami University, as well as
a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
“I am thrilled to lead the
Department of Public Utilities that provides some of the most vital city
services to our residents and businesses,” said Atha. “Columbus faces rapid
growth at the same time that we are moving toward carbon neutrality. I
appreciate Mayor Ginther tapping me to take the helm at such a pivotal moment.”