AWWA JTMGT69634

National and local labor force demographics are a driving force behind the urgency for positioning utilities to be an employer of choice. The reality of an aging population, along with the demands of a younger generation of workers with different values and goals, requires a shift in utility actions to address the business needs of the future. This environment is driving organizations to take a different approach to human resources (HR) if they are to survive and thrive. To position themselves as an employer of choice, utilities must have the right leadership, culture and best practices to recruit and retain today's top talent to achieve their strategic business objectives. This requires the utility to move from a tactical human resource process to a more strategically focused effort. The Alexandria Sanitation Authority (ASA) embarked on a multi-year organization change effort to position themselves as an employer of choice. Over the past two years, the organization has gone through significant change, including implementing a new organization structure and new leadership at all levels. This paper provides overviews of several approaches to strategic HR along with ideas for out of the box, outside- the-rules thinking on recruiting, retention, and career development. Includes table.