Lynn Spivey only took over as the City of Plant City’s new director of utilities Monday, Oct. 17, but her prior work experience can be seen throughout town. As a former principal engineer, she designed part of the city’s existing utilities plant.
A New Direction
Spivey, who moved to the Tampa Bay area just before she turned 17, attended University of South Florida. Upon graduating in 1994, she earned her degree in chemical engineering.
“I served in the Air Force and thought I wanted to be an electrical engineer, but I found an interest in chemistry,” Spivey said.
Her career began in phosphate mines before she found her calling: water purification.
“I really loved the idea of treating wastewater,” Spivey said. “When I graduated, there weren’t a lot of ‘chemmies’ going into the environmental field, but now that’s an incredibly common thing.”
Prior to joining the City of Plant City, Spivey worked as a principal in the consulting firm Arcadis Inc. for 14 years. She’s worked for local utility plants from Columbia to Sarasota to Hernando counties. Spivey also has been responsible for writing more than $100 million in grants for state-wide utility projects.
Spivey is excited to be joining the Plant City team.
“We already have award-winning facilities,” Spivey said. “This plant was upgraded around 2005 or 2006. We’ll be working on staying current with the new rules and abiding by standards. The team will work to make sure all divisions are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
City Manager Mike Herr introduced Spivey at a City Commission meeting Monday, Sept. 26.
I regard her as a strong visionary blended with utility operations experience who will add depth to our existing team in utilities,” Herr said. “(She) is a particularly-effective, diplomatic communicator with demonstrated success in building productive business relationships.”
Spivey’s passion runs in the family. Her husband, Steve, works for Tampa Bay Water. The couple lives on the east side of Hernando County but have considered relocating to Plant City when they decide to retire.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.