news-record.com

The Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority got new leadership today after long-time executive director John Kime retired and his replacement was named.

After meeting in a closed session, the regional group's board of directors unanimously appointed Gregory T. Flory, 38, to take Kime's place, effective Feb. 1.

Kime announced several months ago that he felt it was time to retire. His career with the water authority began in 1986, when the reservoir was only a dream promoted for years by leaders across the eastern Triad.

Flory currently is a private consultant for Petrus Environmental of Roanoke, Va., and has advised communities across the nation on water and waste water issues during the past decade. He previously worked with the Virginia Division of Drinking Water, supervising public water supplies.

His salary will be $95,000 per year.

Kime will continue working as a consultant during February.

Under Kime's leadership, construction of the dam and reservoir was finished about five years ago; a $40 million water treatment plant was completed under budget in mid-2010; and drinking water began flowing to area residents that fall.