Andrea Terry, Water Resources Manager
Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
I was born and raised in Waynesboro, VA, just over the mountain. Yes, I am a Valley girl.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
I had been commuting from Waynesboro and recently moved to Albemarle County to be closer to work.
What neighborhood do you live in now?
Belvedere.
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?
I have two children, a son and daughter. My son just started his college career at George Mason University and my daughter is a freshman at Albemarle High School.
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
I graduated from Bridgewater College in 1989 with a B. S. in Biology, and from Duke University in 1990 with a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management.
What were you doing before you came to work for RWSA?
I worked for RWSA from 2004 to 2008 as Watershed Manager. Then I made a move to the Valley and worked for the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission from 2008 to 2011. I returned to RWSA as Water Resources Manager in December 2011. I also worked as an Environmental Scientist for many years after graduating from school.
Your job title is Water Resources Manager – what, in your own words, would you say you do?
I am responsible for any and all things that support watershed management, source water protection, and water supply goals of the Authority. On any given day, this can include a multitude of things! I work with environmental regulatory agencies to ensure that RWSA is meeting state and federal guidelines for our work in and around streams and wetlands. And I act as a liaison for the Authority with our sister agencies and the many amazing organizations in this area that focus on the health of our waters. I work for the public directly with questions concerning our water supply systems and activities within the watersheds that may impact our resources.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
Field work! Seriously! The best part of my job is being able to work in the James River watershed. This is a beautiful watershed with amazing resources and it is a pleasure to be able to contribute to the health of this system. By its very nature, the RWSA is responsible for doing its part in taking care of the environment. We provide products that people need: provide quality drinking water and efficient treatment of our community’s wastewater. I enjoy talking to the public about RWSA’s programs and how our organization works positively for the environment. The most challenging thing is that there are not enough hours in the day.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
I am part of a management team that is focused on providing an essential resource to this community – drinking water. What we do here supports the lives of our community.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with RWSA?
When I worked here from 2004 to 2008, this community was working very hard to identify its alternative for future water supply. The New Ragged Mountain Dam is currently being built, and as part of that, we are mitigating for impacts to streams and wetlands resulting from the project. The Mitigation Plan includes wetland creation, stream channel enhancement, and planting of riparian zones along Buck Mountain Creek. I am managing these projects and am enjoying seeing them being constructed and put in place.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I come from a family of six children and I am the youngest. And my extended family is very large. We didn’t always have a lot of money for big trips and travel, but every year we went camping several times – my favorite was Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Lake). I have great memories of those trips and I believe that is why I love nature and working in, and for, the environment.
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?
I love spending time with my kids and family, being outside for just about anything, and reading. Sounds boring, huh? It’s great!
