The city of College Station has a new water services director.
Gary Mechler, who starts August 20, returns to Texas after spending three years as executive vice president of operations for a municipal utilities company in New Jersey.
Before that, Mechler spent almost 20 years in private sector with two corporations in Houston. And he has two degrees from the University of Houston.
Former water services director David Coleman, who retires August 17 after four months as College Station’s interim assistant city manager, spent 13 years with the city.
Assistant water services director Alan Gibbs has been interim director of the utility since March.
News release from the city of College Station:
“Gary brings extensive experience on both the water and wastewater side and has great leadership, management, and communication skills,” Capps said. “He will be a great fit and an asset to our organization.”
“I’m looking forward to moving to College Station, being involved in the community, and working with a high-quality team committed to providing superior water services to our neighbors,” Mechler said.
A Texas native, Mechler served since 2015 as executive vice president of operations at Natural Systems Utilities in Hillsborough, N.J. He was responsible for operations, health, safety, environmental and financial performance of 210 systems across 10 states.
About Gary Mechler: From 1997-2014, he worked in various capacities with Severn Trent Services in Houston, an international contract operations and equipment manufacturer serving the municipal and industrial water treatment sector. His positions were vice president of health, safety and environment (2006-14), regional operations vice president (1999-2006), and regional general manager (1997-99).
From 1987-97, Mechler worked for Houston’s LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies. He was interim operations superintendent and solid waste coordinator from 1992-95 and served as corporate health, safety and environmental auditor from 1995-97.
Mechler earned two degrees from the University of Houston – a bachelor’s in industrial hygiene and safety, and a master’s in environmental management.
While announcing the hire of Mechler, Capps praised Coleman for not only leading Water Services for many years, but also for serving as interim assistant city manager since March. His last day with the city will be Aug. 17. Additionally, Capps extended his thanks to Alan Gibbs, assistant director for Water Services, who has led the department during this interim period.