City of Independence Water Director to retire after 40-year career

City of Independence Water Director Dan Montgomery announced he will retire earlier this month. His last day will be Friday, July 28. Montgomery’s career in the Water Department spans more than 40 years.

“I challenge our staff to leave our City better than they found it, and Dan has exceeded that call,,” City Manager Zach Walker said. “Under Dan’s tenure, the Water Department has grown fiscally strong while maintaining some of the lowest rates in the region. The city’s water has been named some of the best in the world, multiple times. We have an aggressive main replacement program that ensures the safe and continuous delivery of water to our customers. He is a passionate volunteer in our community, regularly working Kiwanis Chilis Dinners, trash cleanups, and more. We cannot thank him enough for his commitment to our community and wish him well in retirement.”

Born and raised in Independence, Montgomery began his career with the City as Water Production Manager, after the City purchased the Missouri Water Company in 1986. The following year he was promoted to Assistant Director of the Water Department and in 2003 he was named to his current position.

Montgomery also served as Missouri Section chair of the American Water Works Association in 1998 and on the National Board of Directors for the association from 2009-2012.

"I am proud to be associated with a department that provides high-quality water for both the City and its other wholesale customers,” Montgomery said. “But it is the team behind this water that really makes the difference. I have had the great fortune to work with hundreds of dedicated employees who want the best for Independence throughout my career and I know they will continue that level of service and passion for years to come.”

Outside of work, Montgomery is an avid volunteer -- serving as an Independence School District ‘Youth Friend’ for 20 years, board member and past chair of the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity and board member of the Vaile Mansion Victorian Society. He is also the incoming president of the Independence Kiwanis Club.

Montgomery’s retirement plans include traveling with his wife Diane and spending more time with their family – including their seven grandchildren.

Matt McLaughlin, who is currently the Deputy Director of the Water Department, will serve as interim Director.