New Business Project Coordinator
Donna Smit, a new business project coordinator at TMWA, is someone who sees things through to the end. She likes to refer to her job as "cradle-to-grave" project management. When anyone wants to build something new in the TMWA service territory, Donna takes them through the entire process, from coordinating water rights and inspection to setting up an account and installing a water meter.
"We take care of any kind of new business. That's why they call us ‘new business,'" she said. "We walk you through the process." First, Donna said, potential customers are directed to the New Construction Information section of TMWA's Web site, where the New Business Applications can be found, among many other new business resources.
Because her father was a lineman at Sierra Pacific Power Company (Sierra), Donna has been involved in northern Nevada utilities since age 19. When TMWA was formed in 2001, she made the transition like many other current employees. She has held a variety of positions both at Sierra and at TMWA including as a graphic artist. She has not abandoned her artistic skills, however. She designs all of TMWA's lobby signs and also serves on the Web site committee.
"I'm very creative, so it's nice to get to do that," she said. "I'm technical and artistic, which is a weird combo and at times an oxy-moron. That's why this job is a win for me because I get to use different parts of my brain." Donna also does watercolor paintings in her free time and is a professional calligrapher.
She loves getting to use her creativity at work, but working with all of TMWA's different departments is where her heart is.
"There is a positive attitude from employees to try and do the right thing," she said of her coworkers. "We receive so many great comments from customers who are pleased we are helpful, and appreciate our extra efforts. I feel honored to work with them"
Customer service, Donna said, can be a challenge at times, but is completely rewarding.
"Being a mother and wife I get to use the same basic skills in facilitating solutions to customers," she said. Her husband and two sons are major influences in Donna's life, sharing her strong work ethic.
"I am continually amazed at what fine sons we have raised and the supportive husband I have," she said.
After a blood clot that threatened her ability to walk 11 years ago, Donna has vowed to never let anything stop her from doing what she loves, including mountain-biking, hiking, yoga and swimming.
Whether it is at work, at home or on her mountain bike, Donna is someone who puts her whole heart and soul into what she is doing, from start to finish and she is always happy to do it. "‘Grateful' is my word for 2008."
