North Florida Water Utilities Authority: NFWUA Finally Has Candidates for Executive Director, But Are They Qualified?
April 2, 2025 8:10 am | 3 min read
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The North Florida Water Utilities Authority (NFWUA) finally has applicants for the position of executive director. None of the candidates meet the listed minimum qualifications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS as stated in the job posting:
"Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, engineering, environmental sciences, or a related discipline. Must have ten (10) years of management experience directly related to water resource management and/or public water supply. Minimum five (5) years of experience in administration of a utility system or Department or agency. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment. Water/Wastewater licensure or certification is preferred."
Questionnaire – Along with the requirement to file a resume with the Columbia County Clerk of the Courts, a questionnaire was included to be filled out.
Question:
Do you possess a degree in public administration, engineering, environmental science, or a closely related field? Please list degree type (e.g., B.S., M.S.) and area (e.g., Environmental Science). Please list the degree type. Do you possess any related licenses issued by the State of Florida or another State?
Dan Hartley: A.A. Degree, Florida Gateway College, 2023; licensed nurse 1995 to present.
Joe Helfenberger: M.A. in Public Policy and Administration, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1984; B.S. in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1980; Real Estate Sales Associate, Florida License
Shannon Roberts: BA Psychology, University of North FL; Mr. Roberts said he has no related licenses, but could obtain them "given the proper time and financial support.”
Question:
How many years of experience do you have in utilities, water, wastewater, utility infrastructure, operations, preventative maintenance, or other closely related fields? Describe your experience in utilities, water, and wastewater, or other closely related fields.
Dan Hartley: Mr. Hartley wrote: “I have 22+ years as a nurse and over seven years working in government relations.” Mr. Hartley explained his expertise in governmental relations and working with governors, senators, and folks in Congress.
Joe Helfenberger: Mr. Helfenberger wrote that he “had extensive experience in municipal management, which includes overseeing water, wastewater, sewer, and other utility infrastructure projects.” Mr. Helfenberger explained he had thirty-six years of experience managing and overseeing water and wastewater operations.
Shannon Roberts: Mr. Roberts wrote, “I have nearly 8 years of related utility infrastructure experience since | began working for Suwannee County. Mr. Roberts provided a list of utility projects that he has been involved with since his employment with Suwannee County. However, it is not clear how he was involved with those projects.
Question:
How many years of supervisory experience do you have? Explain.
Dan Hartley: Mr. Hartley wrote that he had more than twenty years of supervisory experience in the field of nursing and also supervised employees while working for legislators.
Joe Helfenberger: Mr. Helfenberger wrote, “I have over 36 years of supervisory experience in various leadership roles, including City Manager, Village Administrator, County Manager, and Municipal Consultant. Mr. Helfenberger “oversaw teams ranging from 100 to 500+ employees, managing budgets up to $137 million.”
Shannon Roberts: Mr. Roberts wrote that he had 25 years of supervisory experience. He elaborated, “My supervisory roles were established in different industries that include Healthcare, IT Consulting, and Technology Companies as a Director, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer.” Mr. Roberts wrote he was responsible for “budgets as large as $100 mil.”
Question:
List any certifications you have related to the functions and duties of this position.
Mr. Hartley said he had none.
Mr. Helfenberger gave his Florida real estate license and Ninja selling certification.
Mr. Roberts had none, and again said he would obtain them “given the proper time and financial support.”
Final question:
What are your salary and benefits requirements?
Dan Hartley requires $80k and benefits.
Joe Helfenberger wrote that he is seeking a salary “in the range similar to my highest earnings, which I can discuss in person.” Mr. Helfenberger was earning approximately $120k when he left Lake City. His earnings as a real estate agent are unknown.
Shannon Roberts: Mr. Roberts did not provide a desired salary, but wants to remain in the Florida Retirement System "with an executive level contribution rate."
Epilogue
Dale Williams at the most recent NFWUA meeting.
In today's world, many utility authorities, as well as public works departments, require their applicants to have PE (Professional Engineer) degrees. There are approximately 1 million Licensed Professional Engineers in the United States.
One has to wonder why, after almost a year of searching, a search originally orchestrated by North Florida Professional Services and its lobbyist Dale Williams (Mr. Williams claims not to be a lobbyist) only three candidates applied for the job. They are all local and do not meet the educational requirements and other requirements of the job description.