Staff
The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District is operated by a staff of 18 professionals dedicated to providing efficient and effective services to District customers. For a comprehensive list of staff positions, as well as current job openings with the District, please click here.
Justin Clary, PE General Manager
Justin Clary, appointed by the Board of Commissioners in October 2018, acts as the chief executive officer responsible for managing all District departments, directing day-to-day operations, annual budget preparation, ensuring implementation of the District’s capital improvement programs, and serving as the Board’s chief policy adviser. A licensed professional civil engineer, Mr. Clary has over fifteen years of experience working in the consulting industry, as well as eight years of experience in municipal government service in the roles of public works director and city manager. Mr. Clary’s experience in both the public and private sectors have enabled the formation of productive public/private partnerships, as well as successful completion of large-scale infrastructure projects and planning documents through securing over $50 million in state and federal grants and low interest loans.
Bill Hunter, PE Assistant General Manager/District Engineer
Bill Hunter has served as Assistant General Manager/District Engineer since 2005. In this role, Mr. Hunter is responsible for managing the Engineering Department, long-range planning through periodic development of the District’s comprehensive water and sewer plans, implementation of the District’s water and sewer capital improvement programs, upkeep of the District’s engineering and construction standards, and reviewing and approving private development within the District. A licensed professional civil engineer, prior to joining the District Mr. Hunter worked as a consultant engineer for 13 years designing and/or overseeing construction of various municipal water systems and treatment plants, wastewater collection systems and treatment plants, and commercial and residential developments.
Jennifer Signs Finance Manager/Treasurer
Jennifer joined the District in June of 2021 as the Finance Manager/Treasurer. She is responsible for managing the District’s financial planning, utility funds and reserves, investments, debt service obligations, inventory of property valuations, and assists in developing and carrying out fiscal policies set by the Board of Commissioners. As the manager of the Finance Department, Ms. Signs overseas all budgeting processes for capital and operating budgets, preparation of comprehensive financial statements, and directs the District’s accounting, auditing, utility billing, payroll and benefits, and financial reporting systems. Ms. Signs holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration from Adams State University with areas of study in accounting, water law, and property law. Ms. Signs has over 15 years of diversified accounting experience in both the private and governmental sectors.
Jason Dahlstrom Operations & Maintenance Manager
Jason Dahlstrom has worked for the District since 2008 and leads the Operations & Maintenance Department, which is responsible for ensuring that the District provides quality and uninterrupted water and sewer service to our customers. The O&M Department is charged with the operation and maintenance of 55 miles of water transmission and distribution lines, 71 miles of sanitary sewer collection and conveyance lines, eight reservoirs, ten water pump stations, 28 sewer lift station sites, and two water treatment plants. Mr. Dahlstrom was initially hired as a Utility Worker, was then promoted to Maintenance Worker Lead in 2017, and Operation & Maintenance Manager in 2022. With a background in computers and electronics, Mr. Dahlstrom continues to ensure that the District is utilizing technology to maximize the efficiency of the operation & maintenance of District infrastructure.