Congratulations to Liesel Gross, Lehigh County Authority Executive Director, who was named as one of the most influential people in the Lehigh Valley by the Morning Call.
Liesel’s response was characteristically humble, and in recognition of her team – “I have been thinking about what to say about the recent honor of being listed as one of the Lehigh Valley’s most influential people. Many people have reached out to congratulate me, which I appreciate so very much. However, my prevailing thought is “Why me?” I know I work hard, and I’m not an overly humble person. But seriously, my selection for this honor is more about the importance of water in supporting public health and a vibrant economy, not to mention the amazing work of the Lehigh County Authority team members who keep the water flowing 24/7/365. I appreciate this recognition, but mostly for the opportunity to raise the profile of water in our community and the people who care for our utility systems. Thank you for this honor! Thank a water system operator!” hashtag#nopeoplenowater
Jane Rowan, WRA President Emeritus, shared these thoughts about Liesel and her work, “Liesel and those who do this work providing drinking water and related essential services are unsung heroes—awake at night concerned that customers have water when they need it. Liesel’s leadership establishes a bar of excellence with her relentless focus on serving the community and celebrating those who supply a precious resource with care and diligence. Thank you! We at WRA are honored that you are part of the Water Community!”
About the Lehigh County Authority
History
Lehigh County Authority (LCA) is a public water and wastewater utility committed to providing unparalleled service to residents and businesses in all our service areas. Founded in 1966 by the County of Lehigh, LCA is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the County.
LCA is a non-profit, public agency and our activities and services are funded solely through revenues from our water and wastewater customers. Rate-making practices are governed by the Pennsylvania Municipality Authorities Act.
Mission is to protect public health and the environment by providing high-quality, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services.
Vision is to be a trusted and engaged community partner, advancing the vitality of our region through exceptional water and wastewater services.
2022-2027 Strategic Plan sets the course for our success!
The strategic framework, based on an extensive strategic planning process, considers both our present circumstances and our future goals and will serve as a blueprint for decision-making moving forward. It contains a vision, mission statement, values, and priorities that address LCA’s current challenges and help ensure continued success in operations and the management of resources and assets.
The water and wastewater services we provide are vital for our community. As part of the strategic planning process, we gathered input from our Board Directors, staff, and a variety of stakeholders on the organization’s aspirations, strengths, critical issues, and opportunities. This input provided valuable context for the strategic planning process by helping establish the framework of where we are today and the direction we should take into the future.