Celebrating a Legacy: Longtime Wastewater Director retires, familiar face to lead next chapter

After four decades of dedication and valuable contributions, Brian DeWitt, Director of Wastewater at Logansport Utilities, is retiring on June 27, 2025. DeWitt’s career has spanned the evolution of the utility sector, leaving a lasting impact on team members, projects, city and state officials, and the community he served.

DeWitt began his career with the company in June 1985 as a lab technician at the wastewater treatment plant. He spent the next three years in that role before moving into an operator position. In 2004, he returned to the lab and continued working there for two more years. In April 2006, the superintendent at the time retired. The water and wastewater manager was then promoted to assume the superintendent role. A new manager was appointed to oversee water collection and distribution, as well as the wastewater treatment plant, and DeWitt was promoted as the wastewater treatment plant supervisor.

During this time, DeWitt also earned an associate degree in computer technology from Purdue
University in Kokomo, with the company assisting with tuition. He commuted two nights a week
for five years, including summer semesters, while working full-time to successfully complete the
program.

In June 2017, the manager for water, stormwater, and wastewater retired and it was decided to
divide that previously solo leadership role into two positions. DeWitt became the manager of
wastewater, and Cameron Dillon was appointed to manage the water collection and distribution
department.

Water and wastewater systems are essential services and are therefore heavily regulated and audited. There are numerous certifications and service requirements for managing such facilities.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) mandates 30 “contact hours” of approved education every three years. DeWitt successfully obtained the Class IV certification required to legally run a wastewater treatment plant and had the necessary service time to be appointed.

DeWitt never expected to take on a leadership role. He commented, “I saw myself as either in the lab or in operations. I did not see myself in any kind of supervisory position.” He credits his family for encouraging him to accept the position, saying they believed he was too smart to pass it up. The role ultimately suited him well, particularly given his ability to stay current with regulations and manage the extensive paperwork with precision.

When current Chief Executive Officer/Superintendent Greg Toth joined Logansport Utilities in November 2020, leadership titles were updated in 2021. The position became known as the Director of Wastewater. This role sets the overall direction for wastewater operations and oversees regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local agencies (EPA, IDEM, etc.). The director also manages operational budgets and prepares reports for city officials, boards, and the public. Additionally, the director is involved in infrastructure planning, plant upgrades, and sustainability initiatives.

The Director of Wastewater works in tandem with the wastewater treatment plant supervisor, currently Omar Gonzalez, who oversees daily operations, manages staff and scheduling, and troubleshoots equipment or process issues.

In 2024, DeWitt announced his retirement date, giving nearly a year’s notice to implement a succession plan. Finding the right fit to fill his role became a top priority.

Although Gonzalez is qualified for the position, he expressed interest in remaining in his current role managing daily tasks and teams. At that point, the hiring team approached then Assistant Manager of Water Collection and Distribution, Jackson Wiseley, regarding his interest in the promotion.

Wiseley, a Logansport native and Lewis Cass graduate, is no stranger to the utility company or the city. He began working for Logansport Utilities in January 2013 in the water department, performing tasks in water distribution and wastewater collection, including residential water line repairs, water main and sewer installations, and stormwater maintenance. After six years, he was promoted to assistant manager of water and stormwater, where he managed field crews, work orders, supply procurement, and stormwater operations. In the summer of 2024, Wiseley accepted the offer to become Director of Wastewater, beginning training and job shadowing with DeWitt in November 2024 and continuing in the following months. Committed to community involvement, Wiseley serves as president of the New Waverly Fire
Department, is on the Board of Directors for the YMCA, holds a seat on the Logansport Planning
Commission, and is actively involved in youth sports through coaching.

Although new to the technical operations of the wastewater treatment plant, Wiseley is eager to meet the challenge of learning the vast technical workings of the wastewater plant side of operations. With a solid understanding of the city’s stormwater and sewer infrastructure, he is ready to lead his inherited team of 15 dedicated employees who work rotating 8-hour shifts to monitor the plant 24/7. Wiseley states he is beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with such a knowledgeable staff and looks forward to “let those experts be experts in their field, take ownership of what they’re doing, and learn from them.” He will officially take over as Director of Wastewater on June 28, 2025.

To meet legal requirements for signing off on official monthly reports, DeWitt will be retained as a temporary consultant. Beginning October 1, 2025, Omar Gonzalez will serve not only as supervisor but also as the temporary “operator in responsible charge,” as he holds the necessary licensing while Wiseley works toward obtaining his Class IV certification and required service time.

Wiseley acknowledges that the new role involves complex administrative duties and significantly more paperwork but describes the transition as “a fairy tale” thanks to DeWitt’s thorough documentation, comprehensive descriptions, detailed timelines, precise instructions, and well-organized records.

DeWitt sees providing those tools as part of his responsibility and has spent his final days reflecting on his 40-year career with Logansport Utilities, the good and the bad, the changes that have taken place, and the valuable insights he’s gained through feedback from leadership and peers.

DeWitt shared, “One of the things that kind of surprised me was when we did management evaluations was the number of the nice comments I received from people that I don’t interact with on a daily basis. They talked about how professional they thought I was. I’ve never thought of myself as professional. I’m just a guy here, doing a job, and then going home. I guess that was a good moment. To see that my colleagues have me up here at a different level than what I’ve got myself. Because I don’t, I don’t view myself like that. I view myself as this guy that still does, sometimes, wonder what the hell he’s doing.”

Toth agrees with his team’s assessment of DeWitt, recognizing him as a model of professionalism and dedication. He states, “Brian DeWitt’s legacy sets a high standard, one we know will be honored and built upon as Jackson Wiseley steps into this role. As we look to the future, we’re proud to promote Jackson, a proven leader who brings fresh energy and deep experience to this next chapter. The future of our wastewater operations is in capable, familiar hands, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Congratulations to Brian DeWitt on his retirement journey, and best of luck to the new Director of Wastewater, Jackson Wiseley.

About Logansport Utilities (formerly Logansport Municipal Utilities: LMU) is a municipal owned, board operated electric and water utility serving the city of Logansport and surrounding county areas in northern Indiana. Started in 1894, the utility offers electricity and clean water to more than 18,000 residents and businesses. Logansport Utilities continues to serve and drive redevelopment in the region. For more information about Logansport Utilities: logansportutilities.com

SOURCE: News release from Logansport Utilities