Pittsburgh, PA - Today, Board Chair, Paul Leger announced his retirement from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority’s Board of Directors.  He leaves a legacy focused on improving water quality, directing PWSA’s community-based response to lead, and championing programs that protect vulnerable populations throughout Pittsburgh. 

Chair Leger, who joined our board in 2014 and became board chair in 2018, has played an integral role in our transformation by directing key policy decisions pertaining to our Community Lead Response. Most notably, Chair Leger guided the implementation of our Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) program. This program has resulted in the replacement of over 8,300 public lead service lines and nearly 5,400 private lead service lines throughout our service area. The LSLR program has protected thousands of residents from the cost of replacing the old lead service line that supplies water to their homes.

Thanks to Chair Leger’s leadership, our LSLR program has since been hailed as one of the most comprehensive, well-designed responses to lead in the country. It was recognized as the 2020 Special Project of the Year at the March of Dimes Pittsburgh Transportation, Building & Construction Award Ceremony. In addition, our Community Lead Response’s Curb Box Inspection program received the MAPPS 2020 Geospatial Products & Services Excellence Award.

Beyond PWSA, Chair Leger has dedicated his career to the local government and nonprofit sectors. His career, spanning four decades, includes managerial roles at the City of Pittsburgh including Mayor Peduto’s first finance director. Chair Leger also occupied managerial posts at Allegheny County, the Borough of Braddock, the Borough of Rankin, and most recently, the Pittsburgh Land Bank.  

“It was an honor to serve on the board of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority during this crucial time,” Chair Leger said. “I am proud of all that my fellow board members and I have accomplished to bring lead levels back into compliance,” Leger stated. “I am leaving PWSA at a time when it has strong leadership committed to providing its ratepayers and those living and working in Pittsburgh with safe, high quality water services.”

“Chair Leger’s service will forever be associated with some of the most important milestones in the Authority’s history,” said Chief Executive Officer, Will Pickering. “He confronted challenges decisively, with a focus on our customers, and always with good humor. We are forever grateful for his many contributions and wish him the best in his retirement.”