AWWA Water Champion – Jodi Biermann, U.S. Navy Veteran, Helix Water District

Jodi Biermann, human resources manager for Helix Water District in La Mesa, California, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the U.S. Navy for more than 14 years in human resources, training and development, and operations management. In recognition of Veterans Day this month, AWWA salutes her and our many other members who have served their countries in military service.

Why did you join the U.S. Navy? I had a call to serve my country and I wanted to see the world. As I learned more about the Navy’s opportunities and different career fields, I was drawn toward the challenges the Naval Academy presented and began working toward that goal. I sought opportunities for growth and knew if I was fortunate enough to attend the Naval Academy, they would develop and mold me into a leader while providing me with the necessary skills to be successful.

Please summarize your military service and educational background. I started at the Naval Academy in June 2004 and graduated in 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in history. I was commissioned as a surface warfare officer and stationed onboard the USS Wasp out of Norfolk, Virginia, as the repair division officer in the engineering department. I transferred to USS Kauffman in Norfolk and served as the ship’s training officer. In 2012, I moved to Washington, D.C., and was stationed at the Pentagon in the office of the deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plan and strategy, serving as the chief of naval operations’ current operations briefer. In 2013, I transferred to the human resources community and was stationed in the office of the deputy chief of naval pperations for manpower, personnel, training and education as the officer accessions planner.

I earned a master’s degree in business administration from Brenau University while on active duty in Washington, D.C. I then moved to California and was stationed at Navy Recruiting District San Diego, serving as the operations officer and then executive officer of transient personnel unit. I finished my naval career as the deputy director for manpower, personnel, training and education at Navy Region Southwest in San Diego.

Do you have other family members who served in the military? Most everyone in my family is a first responder, and I had grandparents who served during World War II.

What skills did you gain from this experience? I gained many skills throughout my service, including how to fail and bounce back from failure, trust in myself, and have the courage to try different approaches and new things. I learned to meet people where they are and that we all approach situations differently and bring different backgrounds and experiences to the table. I learned how to adjust my leadership and communication style to meet the needs of my team and get everyone moving toward the same common goals and objectives. I learned when to ask for help and when to figure things out on my own. I learned when to be tough, soften my approach, train, encourage, coach and provide feedback. I learned to be forward thinking and plan. I also learned how to strategize and evaluate the successes and pitfalls of every decision and option available and prepare for all potential outcomes.

How did your service impact your life outlook? Most notably, my service impacts how I approach change, stressful situations and problems. In an environment where things can change very rapidly and frequently, I learned to embrace change and see it as a challenge. I learned how to take a step back in high stress situations and slow everything down in order to decipher what is unfolding quickly, discern pertinent information and make decisions. Traveling opened my eyes to how others live. I am so profoundly grateful and lucky to have been born an American and try not to take our luxuries for granted.

What drew you to work in human resources? I believe an organization’s biggest asset is its people. I most enjoyed working on tasks and projects that fell under the human resources (HR) umbrella. When I was working at the Pentagon, I worked with some amazing Navy HR professionals who inspired me to apply for transfer into their community, and the rest is history. As I progressed in my career, my breadth and depth of HR principles and skills expanded, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.     

What prompted you to work for a water utility? After I left the Navy, I still had a call to serve and feel like what I was doing was important and impactful. I gravitated toward the public sector and water because I wanted to directly serve my community and have an impact each and every day. Water is a powerful resource that shapes ecosystems, economies and cultures. Water and this industry have impacts beyond basic survival and play a key role in environmental stability. I left an organization where I was contributing to something bigger than myself and found myself joining another with a dedicated mission and just as large of an impact.

What are your responsibilities at Helix Water District? As the human resources manager, I have the privilege to work alongside three amazing HR professionals. No day is the same and together, we manage and ensure the district is adequately staffed with talented employees with a passion for public service, ensure compliance with regulations and agency polices, administer employee benefits and support workforce development and training.

Does your organization actively recruit military veterans to the water sector? As an agency with several military veterans on our team, we understand the value of veterans’ unique experiences, leadership skills and service. We encourage veterans looking to continue their mission of public service to apply for our open positions. We work with organizations such as Work for Warriors and zero8hundred to reach out to transitioning service member and veteran communities and participate in career fairs at local military bases.

Please describe your family and/or hobbies and interests. My husband is active-duty Navy, stationed on a ship in San Diego. We have three kids and a sheepadoodle puppy. Our family is active and loves the outdoors. My husband and I recently got into rucking, and our kids play lacrosse, football and gymnastics. 

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you? I was initially recruited by the Naval Academy to run track. I was in a parade with Queen Elizabeth when my ship supported a Canada Day celebration.