October 2019 Vol. 74 No. 10
UCT Conference
TODD RECK NAMED 2020 MVP
Annual Award Is Sponsored By UCTA, Underground Construction
The Most Valuable Professional of the underground infrastructure industry will be honored on Jan. 28, at the annual Underground Construction Technology (UCT) International Conference & Exhibition, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Long-time city of Irving, Texas, Water Utilities Director Todd W. Reck, P.E., has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the MVP award, which is sponsored by the Underground Construction Technology Association (UCTA) and Underground Construction magazine. A special MVP Award Banquet will be held from noon–1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Reck has worked for Irving since 1998, becoming the water utilities director in 2008. As director, he oversees a department of 162 full-time employees with a fiscal 2020 budget of $111.7 million and a 2020 capital improvements budget of more than $30 million.
Reck has led many key projects and initiatives for Irving, including the planning, easement acquisition, design and construction of the Lake Chapman water supply system – the final phase of
a 45-year effort to secure a reliable supply of high-quality water for Irving residents. The project included a new 33-mile, 72-inch-diameter pipeline, a pump station, metering facilities, storage reservoirs and other miscellaneous work.
He continues to work on the development of new water supplies to meet the needs of Irving’s growing population. In addition, Reck oversees the operations of the Lake Chapman pipeline, the water distribution system and the wastewater collection system. He continues to lead planning and engineering projects, oversees compliance with state and federal regulations and is responsible for developing water conservation and water reuse programs.
Reck leads a strong community outreach effort, as the Water Utilities Department has received awards and recognition across the state for its partnership with the Irving Independent School District, and development of a unique training and certification program for future water and wastewater system operators.
Work history
Reck holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
Prior to joining the city of Irving, he was a consultant for an engineering consulting firm, CH2M Hill (now Jacobs). He worked as an engineer and project manager for more than eight years, focused on planning, design, hydraulics, construction management and operations support for water and wastewater systems. Major clients included municipalities, river authorities, water districts and industries.
Reck and his staff have been honored for various industry and community involvement. In 2013, he earned the Workforce Development Award presented by the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Association of Texas. Under Reck’s watch in 2010 and 2011, Irving won the Outstanding Municipal Utility (Texas Municipal Utilities Association), and in 2010 the department won the Gold Award for Innovation from the Texas Association of Partners in Education.
“Todd has been a dedicated and active participant in the underground infrastructure industry his entire career,” said Underground Construction magazine Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter. “He works tirelessly and is actively involved in industry activities.”
That was the case when he became a founding board member and agreed to serve as the first president of the North Texas Chapter of UCTA. He remained in the position for two and a half years, providing leadership and helping build a strong chapter.
“Todd wasn’t a figurehead – he worked meticulously with volunteers to form a new board, promote the association and create a vibrant organization that continues today,” Carpenter pointed out. “He currently serves as the board of directors’ national liaison and adviser.”
Reck is a member of the American Water Works Association, Texas Municipal Utilities Association (TMUA), Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. He has been an active board member and leader of multiple professional organizations and has served as president of TMUA, the North Texas Section of WEAT.
Reck was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, but grew up primarily in Arlington. He met his wife, Shawn, at Texas A&M University (TAMU). She is also a civil engineer and currently works for North Bryant Consultants Inc., providing concrete placement consulting and specialty testing for large commercial and industrial projects.
Not only did the Texas A&M Aggies scenario work out well for Tod and Shawn, but for their children, as well.
“My son, Aaron, is a graduate of TAMU with a Mechanical Engineering degree and works for Dynamic Systems, Inc., a mechanical contractor in Dallas. He is married to Halen – another Aggie! – and lives in Irving. My daughter, Annie, is a graduate of TAMU with a Chemical Engineering degree and currently works for Dell, in Austin, TX. She is married to Evan Knowles – yes, another Aggie!,” Reck said.
“So, as you can see, lots of Aggie engineers in our family! I failed to get my kids to follow Shawn and me into civil engineering, but they did receive engineering degrees, and are doing their own thing and doing well.”
To register for the MVP Luncheon with an individual registration, table (seating for 10) or to obtain additional sponsorship information, visit the UCTA website at uctaonline.com. •
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