- Home
- Governing Board
- Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
“Having served as an environmental engineer with public wastewater systems for many years, I am aware of the challenges faced by the WWTA of both a growing and an aging sewer system. In decision making it is important to consider engineering practices and regulatory requirements as well as the needs of customers, both current and future.”
— Chair Alice Cannella
"I am privileged to bring my engineering career and business experience to this professional, thoughtful and focused organization. The stabilization, renovation and expansion of a critical infrastructure in Hamilton County, in a fiscally sound manner, permeates every discussion we have.
Lakesite’s growing business district and an expanding residential corridor utilize the WWTA’s system. Our growth in these two locals is directly tied to WWTA’s performance. I am excited to represent Lakesite’s needs as well as assist our neighbor cities."
— Vice-Chair Wayne Behlau
Jack Kruesi is a Chattanooga native with a career spanning manufacturing, land development, and residential homebuilding. Mr. Kruesi developed the Fox Run neighborhood and currently serves as the developer and builder of Wild Ridge, Hamilton County’s first majority open-space community.
In addition to his private-sector accomplishments, Mr. Kruesi has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service as a former alderman for the Town of Walden and a current board member of the Walden Ridge Utility District, reflecting his long-standing dedication to responsible growth and community stewardship throughout the Chattanooga and Signal Mountain region.
"As someone with a career in accounting, I know the importance of funding projects in ways that are affordable and efficient for our customers. It’s important for our board to make decisions that will provide a strong foundation for the future. As Hamilton County continues to enjoy strong growth, we know the decisions we make will impact generations of our citizens."
— Commissioner Bill McGriff
The WWTA applies efforts that lead to small-community problem solving. They know the importance of their work on Lookout Mountain; however, for many of us, the importance is not just for the present, but also for the future. We appreciate efforts that will work both now and in the future.
— Lookout Mountain Commissioner Walker Jones
As a businessman, my focus is always on the bottom line. Cost efficiencies are always important; however, we need to invest in projects that will provide strong infrastructure for generations to come. As one of WWTA’s newest board members, I challenge the staff to continually think as a business. What can they do to meet customer needs and expectations in a manner that is effective as well as efficient? I’ve found that the WWTA not only shares this vision but has fully embraced it on behalf of the customers they serve.
— Commissioner Doug Fisher
“For the last three decades, I’ve worked throughout Hamilton County to build more than 3200 homes in 15 communities. As a licensed real estate broker and licensed contractor, I know the importance of details as communities are developed. As an active member of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chattanooga and board member for more than 10 years, I’m aware of the challenges as well as opportunities available in Hamilton County for those seeking to call our communities home. I am honored to serve as the representative from the building industry on the WWTA board.”
— Commissioner Jay Bell
Leslie Slay is the Director of Community Development for the City of Red Bank, Tennessee. She brings a solutions-oriented mindset and twenty years of professional public service experience and is capable of blending big picture viewpoints and tactical considerations to build community trust and achieve organizational goals.
Leslie earned a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Tennessee, is a Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO), a Certified Parks and Recreational Professional (CPRP), and is currently enrolled through the University of Tennessee - Institute for Public Service for certification as a Certified Public Manager (CPM) in 2026.
— Red Bank Commissioner Leslie Slay
"As a commissioner, it is my promise to help WWTA provide responsible wastewater services to the residents of Signal Mountain and address the needs of our overburdened infrastructure. I am excited to work alongside my colleagues to provide proven and reliable solutions to meet the needs of all WWTA customers. Guided by our core values and inspired by the prospect of a cleaner tomorrow, together we can provide sustainable wastewater solutions.”
— Signal Mountain Commissioner Matthew Justice
“WWTA provides a critical service of utilizing a sanitary sewer system for the orderly and safe development within our community. In addition, WWTA’s program to rehabilitate existing sewer systems is crucial to achieving a healthy environment for all our citizens.”
— East Ridge Commissioner Steve Leach