Robert E. McGarrah
Tallahassee
Summary
Accomplished executive with extensive experience in utility operations and human resources, specializing in strategic planning and team development. Demonstrates a commitment to mission-focused leadership and ethical decision-making, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence across diverse operational areas.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager – Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure (UUPI)
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee
03.2025 - Current
- Executive responsible for all aspects of operations for the City’s water, wastewater, stormwater, public infrastructure and real estate functional areas.
- This department has 450+ employees who provide diverse and complex operational leadership for the City’s water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities; public infrastructure activities that include streets, drainage, sidewalks, and traffic; and the City’s real estate operations.
- Assessed and implemented organizational and cultural changes in UUPI to enhance operations, finances, and personnel after transitioning from HRWD.
- Developed first UUPI operational plan, initiating paced organizational and cultural changes to position UUPI as a leader in public service delivery.
- Collaborated with departmental leadership team to clarify mission, promises, and objectives, reinforcing UUPI's role within the larger City organization.
- The City of Tallahassee is a full-service city that services the citizens of Tallahassee and portions of Leon County. In addition to the traditional city services such as police, fire, parks & recreation, the City owns and operates electric, gas, water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater utilities, operates the Tallahassee International Airport as well as the local transit system. The City is nationally recognized for providing exceptional citizen service to the Tallahassee community.
Director – Human Resources and Workforce Development (HRWD)
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee
04.2023 - 03.2025
- Executive responsible for providing all aspects of human resources and workforce professional development activities for the City’s 3,000 full-time employees and 1,500 temporary employees.
- Coordinated human resource and professional development activities across twenty-eight City departments and five independent government agencies, enhancing collaboration and service delivery.
- Reassumed role at request of City Manager to realign HRWD functions with diverse City operational areas, improving organizational effectiveness.
- Streamlined organizational structures to clarify roles and responsibilities within a 30-person department, fostering improved team dynamics.
- Ensured succession planning was in place which resulted in a smooth transition upon my leaving HRWD.
- The City of Tallahassee is a full-service city that services the citizens of Tallahassee and portions of Lean County. In addition to the traditional city services such as police, fire, parks & recreation, the City owns and operates electric, gas, water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater utilities, operates the Tallahassee International Airport as well as the local transit system. The City is nationally recognized for providing exceptional citizen service to the Tallahassee community.
General Manager – Electric and Gas
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee
06.2010 - 06.2021
- Executive with responsibility for the overall leadership of all aspects of the City’s energy operations including electric, gas and wholesale energy.
- The electric and gas utilities are each the fourth largest municipal utility in Florida and the 27th largest in the United States.
- Serving 155,000 electric and gas customers in a 221-square-mile electric service territory and a three-county gas service territory.
- The City owns and operates 709 MW of fossil generating facilities and has 62 MW of solar under purchase power agreements.
- The City owns and operates almost 1,000 miles of gas distribution.
- Led 325 employees in generation, power and gas delivery, energy system operations, planning, and compliance efforts.
- Oversaw utility operations, personnel, and fiscal management, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and NERC reliability standards.
- Represented the City on electric and gas utility in the community, before the City Commission, in front of state and federal regulatory bodies, and within the financial community.
- Directed management of $300+ million operating budget and $30-100 million in capital projects annually.
- Represented the City on the Board of Directors for the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council, Florida Electric Coordinating Group, Florida Municipal Electric Association and SERC.
- While Chair of the FRCC Board, led negotiations with NERC/SERC to dissolve the FRCC RE function and transition the Florida utilities to SERC.
- Represented the Florida Public Power Community on the SERC Board Executive Committee.
Project Director – Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) Upgrades – Thomas P. Smith Wastewater Reclamation Facility
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee
07.2009 - 06.2011
- Assumed responsibility for $227 million AWT project at Thomas P. Smith Wastewater Reclamation Facility while managing Electric Utility duties.
- Led efforts to resolve budget overruns and delays in the AWT project.
- Delivered project completion under budget and ahead of schedule.
- The City of Tallahassee is a full-service city that services the citizens of Tallahassee and portions of Leon County. In addition to the traditional city services such as police, fire, parks & recreation, the City owns and operates electric, gas, water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater utilities, operates the Tallahassee International Airport as well as the local transit system. The City is nationally recognized for providing exceptional citizen service to the Tallahassee community.
Manager – Power Production
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee
11.1991 - 06.2010
- Senior executive responsible for multi-plant electric generation operations for the City.
- Provided leadership to three power supply projects, valued at $320 million, which resulted in the City having one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible generating fleets in the industry.
- Led 108 employees and coordinated emergency management efforts as Utility leader for the City.
- Collaborated with regulatory agencies and City Commission to ensure compliance and address key issues.
- Participated on statewide team addressing reliability and fuels issues.
- Partnered with community stakeholders to advocate for and advance city initiatives.
- The City of Tallahassee is a full-service city that services the citizens of Tallahassee and portions of Leon County. In addition to the traditional city services such as police, fire, parks & recreation, the City owns and operates electric, gas, water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater utilities, operates the Tallahassee International Airport as well as the local transit system. The City is nationally recognized for providing exceptional citizen service to the Tallahassee community.
Operations Superintendent
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
Gulfport
06.1988 - 10.1991
- Senior manager with responsibility for day-to-day operations of a 1,100 MW coal-fired steam electric generating plant.
- Directed technical operations and managed personnel to ensure efficient plant performance.
- Contributed to Plant Management Team and oversaw department operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Collaborated with local IBEW union officials to resolve labor concerns and maintain a positive work environment.
Senior Maintenance Engineer
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
Gulfport
01.1987 - 06.1988
- Managed maintenance engineering activities, scheduling, planning, contractor coordination, and annual capital and maintenance budget development.
- Oversaw team of five engineering/technical employees and coordinated all on-site contractor activities.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment and systems for optimal performance.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and ensure reliability.
- Oversaw repair projects, ensuring adherence to safety standards and protocols.
Assistant Superintendent, Maintenance
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
Gulfport
05.1984 - 01.1987
- Supervised 80 employees, coordinated contractor activities, managed retrofit projects, and prepared annual maintenance budget.
- Coordinated operational activities to support power generation and distribution systems.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance safety and efficiency practices.
- Managed compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards in operations.
Engineer III/II/I
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
Gulfport
09.1980 - 05.1984
- Delivered engineering support at plant and central office, ensuring effective operations.
- Coordinated engineering activities with external teams to align project goals and timelines.
- Designed and implemented engineering solutions for energy distribution systems.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency.
- Conducted thorough inspections of equipment and infrastructure integrity.
Education
B. S. - Mechanical Engineering
Auburn University
01-1980
Skills
- Project management
- Contract Negotiator
- Strategic Planner
- Data Driven
- Goal Driven
- Mission Focused
- Transparent leadership
- Collaborator
- Ethical Leadership
- Communicator
Accomplishments
- Florida Municipal Electric Association – Lifetime Achievement Award - 2021
- American Public Power Association – E. F. Scattergood System Achievement Award – 2021 & 2012
- American Public Power Association Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) – Diamond Level - 2021 (Received Platinum or Diamond since 2009)
- American Public Gas Association System Achievement Award - 2019
- Florida Municipal Electric Association Member of the Year – 2018
- American Public Power Association – Energy Innovator Award – 2015 & 2012
- Leadership Achievement Award – American Society for Public Administration – Tallahassee Chapter - 2013
- Power Magazine – Hopkins Plant named one of the top six Gas-Fired Power Plants in the World – 2011
- Combined Cycle Journal – Hopkins Unit 2A Pacesetter Award – 2009
Organizations
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- American Public Power Association
- Florida Municipal Electric Association Board of Directors
- Florida Reliability Coordinating Council (FRCC) Board of Directors
- Chair 2017 – 2018; Secretary/Treasurer 2015-2017
- FRCC Representative on NERC MRC – 2017-2018
- Chair, Corporate Compliance, Finance and Audit Committee – FRCC Board of Directors
- Florida Coordinating Group Board of Directors
- SERC Board of Directors
- SERC Board Executive Committee
Timeline
General Manager – Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure (UUPI)
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
03.2025 - Current
Director – Human Resources and Workforce Development (HRWD)
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
04.2023 - 03.2025
General Manager – Electric and Gas
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
06.2010 - 06.2021
Project Director – Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) Upgrades – Thomas P. Smith Wastewater Reclamation Facility
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
07.2009 - 06.2011
Manager – Power Production
CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
11.1991 - 06.2010
Operations Superintendent
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
06.1988 - 10.1991
Senior Maintenance Engineer
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
01.1987 - 06.1988
Assistant Superintendent, Maintenance
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
05.1984 - 01.1987
Engineer III/II/I
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
09.1980 - 05.1984
B. S. - Mechanical Engineering
Auburn University