Leesburg, VA (January 29, 2026) – Russell Chambers, an almost 30-year Town employee who has served as the Utility Plant Manager at the Leesburg Water Treatment Plant since 2014, will retire this week. 

Russell spent seven years in the construction industry after college prior to beginning his career with Leesburg’s Utilities Department in September 1996 as a Utility Plant Operator Trainee. Over the course of his Town career, he has progressed through the Utilities career ladder. Russell was promoted to his first leadership role as Utility Plant Supervisor in September 2001; followed by Assistant Utility Plant Superintendent in January 2004; and Deputy Utility Plant Manager in October 2005. He has served in his current position, Utility Plant Manager, since November 2014.

Russell has witnessed firsthand significant growth and changes throughout his career. In Leesburg, he’s watched the utility plant’s capacity grow from 5 million gallons per day (mgd) to a current capacity of 12.5 mgd as the utility system has kept pace with the Town’s growing residential population and commercial needs. The water industry has also changed significantly, with much more stringent regulatory requirements and more automation.

What hasn’t changed is the high quality water produced in Leesburg, Russell said. He points to the Town receiving the Excellence in Waterworks Performance Award from the Virginia Department of Health for 21 consecutive years.

“Our commitment to excellence in plant operations, and meeting or surpassing regulatory requirements, goes back to the standards set by the previous Plant Manager and my mentor, Larry Taylor,” Russell stated. “We have just continued the philosophy he established many years ago.”

As to what kept him a devoted member of Leesburg’s Utilities Department for so many years, Russell attributed it both to the colleagues he’s worked with and the ability to grow within the organization.

“You can see your career path here. You can start as a trainee and advance through the organization. As long as you work hard and earn the support of your coworkers, you can be almost anything you want to be. That’s a credit to [Utilities Director] Amy Wyks and the management team approach we’ve had in the department over most of my career,” Russell stated.

True to that legacy, Russell will be succeeded by Joe Phillips, who has served as his Deputy Utility Plant Manager since 2014. Joe also began his Utilities career as a Utility Plant Operator Trainee in 1998.

In retirement, Russell said he’s looking forward to catching up on a few things around the house and possibly relocating in the next few years.

“Russell’s 30-year journey from Operator Trainee to Plant Manager is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to public service. His leadership and mentorship leave a lasting impact on the Town of Leesburg and everyone fortunate enough to work with him,” stated Wyks.

Media Contact: 
Kara Rodriguez, Public Information Officer 
pio@leesburgva.gov Ÿ 703-669-1425