AWWA Water Champion — GwenDolyn Ruff — Columbus, Georgia

GwenDolyn H. Ruff, SPHR, is the senior vice president of administration and community outreach for Columbus Water Works (CWW) in Columbus, Ga. She is a longtime member of AWWA, most recently serving on the Utility Benchmarking Committee and Workforce Strategies Committee. In addition to her career in water, she served four years of active duty and 26 years of reserve duty in the U.S. Army, retiring as a full colonel in 2011.

What does your current job entail?

I currently have the privilege of providing leadership and support for CWW’s strategic planning initiatives and community outreach programs. Our mission at CWW is to serve our community — not only by delivering safe, reliable, and affordable water services, but also by partnering with educational, community, and environmental organizations to protect public health and our watershed.

How or why did you decide to work in the water sector?

I joined the water sector in 1996 when I was hired as the human resources manager for CWW. At that time, my role was to develop, implement, and establish a comprehensive human resources function for the organization. I had the opportunity to learn from distinguished leaders and mentors in the industry who guided me throughout this journey. As a result, I have been able to successfully leverage my military experience, strategic skills, and human resources knowledge for the benefit of CWW. Since joining CWW, I have worked in the customer service, corporate relations, accounting, strategic planning, and community outreach departments.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy working with others and developing community partnerships. I am very proud of our team members who volunteer their time and talents, as they see the importance of strong community connections.

How has your military career shaped your civilian career?

My military service instilled in me a sense of accountability, the ability to build trust, and the ability to motivate and lead diverse teams. It also gave me experience in strategy development, resource planning, and resilience. Most importantly, I developed a strong commitment to integrity, ethics, and purpose-driven work.

In what ways are military veterans well-suited for careers in water?

Military veterans are often trained and educated to think strategically in an efficient and effective manner. Additionally, military veterans are adaptable even in uncertain and fast-paced environments, and they generally have the ability to stay calm and steady in challenging situations.

What has your AWWA membership and involvement meant to you and your career?

My AWWA membership and involvement have given me the opportunity to network with and learn from many of the brightest minds in the industry! I have built and nurtured strong relationships that have benefited me both professionally and personally. I continue to be inspired by my colleagues in the water industry, and I hope my work and passion for what I do have allowed me to contribute to our legacy of environmental stewardship. My personal goal is to empower the people around me; to embrace their gifts and experiences; and to leave them with the knowledge and skills to continue advancing to greater heights, prepared to face whatever the changing environment may bring.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work or an AWWA function?

My passion is my village — family and close friends. I enjoy spending time with my mom, adult children, and grandchildren. I also enjoy reading, traveling, and watching women’s NCAA and WNBA basketball games!