David Baird has made a name for himself as a utility guru. His work with Georgetown’s public works is part of what earned him City Manager of the Year honors in 2004 and brought him to former city manager Richard Carmean’s attention, first as assistant city manager and then as his successor.

Now he’s taken the step to the national level, as one of the newest members of the National Rural Water Association’s executive board.

“I’m absolutely looking forward to serving on the executive board,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for what National Rural Water does, and its state associations…In my opinion, it’s one of the few national programs where you see real benefit at the local level.”

That includes lobbying for regulations that will benefit small-town water departments and providing training and assistance for the departments themselves.

“Legislatively, they’re also a huge advocate for rural water departments,” Baird said. “And they’re very effective working with individual operators, not only educating them about regulations but working with them hands-on out in the field.”

He said the association’s legislative work is part of the reason Milford was able to get a low-interest $5 million loan from the federal government as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Baird was elected to the NRWA executive board by the 48-member national board at the association’s annual conference, held Oct. 4 through 8 in Reno, Nev.

“In the position where he is now, it’s sort of like the NRWA’s cabinet,” NRWA Deputy CEO Sam Wade said. “They have to represent their utility and their state, and make decisions that will set policy for the entire organization.”

Baird has served on the NRWA board of directors since 2005 and was elected to the board of the Delaware Rural Water Association in 2002.

“David brings an extensive background in utility operations. He’s very astute in our industry and well-respected nationwide,” Wade said.

Baird and his wife JoAnn were recognized during the conference for their service and continued dedication to water utilities.

The NRWA’s state affiliates support 26,696 water and wastewater utility members in all 50 United States and Puerto Rico, and the nine officers of the executive board provide leadership for small water utilities. State associations are responsible for training 55,000 water and wastewater professionals while providing 100,000 on-site technical assistance visits a year.

“Our goal is to make sure that regulations are reasonable, practical and affordable for systems that serve areas with under 10,000 customers,” Wade said.