Water Management Team
Heather Pennington
Interim Superintendent
Heather Pennington was named interim superintendent of Tacoma Water in 2024. Heather’s experience includes over 30 years with Tacoma Water serving in several leadership roles. She holds degrees in environmental engineering and business and has served on multiple committees and boards of the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association.
Sean Senescall
Business Services Manager
Sean joined Tacoma Water in 2010 as the Rates & Financial Planning assistant division manager. He became the Rates & Financial Planning manager in 2013. Sean has seven years of experience in government finance and rate development, having worked for the financial consulting firm FCS Group before coming to Tacoma Water. He studied economics at the U.S. Air Force Academy and has a B.S. in economics from the University of Washington.
Jessica Knickerbocker
Planning & Engineering Manager
Jessica joined the City of Tacoma in 2010 as an Engineer and has worked in both Environmental Services and Tacoma Power before coming to Water. Jessica accepted the opportunity of Planning & Engineering Manager in June. With over two decades of municipal and utility experience, Jessica continues to strengthen our Project Management Culture and continuously improving how we plan and deliver projects at Tacoma Water.
Jerrod Davis
Source Water & Treatment Operations Manager
Jerrod joined Tacoma Water in September 2023 after a long career working for the Washington State Department of Health in the areas of drinking water, wastewater, shellfish protection, food safety, and communicable/infectious diseases. Prior to that, Jerrod worked in private engineering consulting and abroad for the US Peace Corps. Jerrod holds a Bachelors Degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Seattle University and a Master’s Degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley. Jerrod’s professional affiliations include American Water Works Association, the Pacific Northwest Watershed Managers Association, and the National Water Supply Alliance.
Stuart Vaughan
Maintenance & Construction Manager
Stuart joined Tacoma Water in 2007 as part of the engineering team within the Water Distribution Engineering section. Since starting he has worked on both the supply and distribution systems in many different capacities, most recently leading the supply system maintenance group. Stuart started in his current role as the Maintenance and Construction Manager in 2019. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University and a Professional Engineering license in civil engineering.
KayLyne Newell
Strategy Manager
KayLyne joined Tacoma Water in 2018 after serving in state government for eight years. She successfully led Tacoma Water through the strategic planning process in 2019 to develop our current 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. KayLyne has experience in facilitation, communication, process improvement, and performance management. She is a certified Prosci Change Management Practitioner and holds a BAL from Faith International University and an MBA from Western Governor’s University. When she is not strategizing at Tacoma Water, she can be found planning her next international vacation with her husband or hunting for a delicious recipe.
James Southern
Water Safety Manager
James joined the City of Tacoma in 2004 to serve as a Water Utility Worker with the Distribution Operations Division. James accepted the opportunity to fill the role of Safety Manager in 2021. With nearly two decades of Utility experience, James continues to strengthen the Safety Culture and working practices within Tacoma Water.