London, Ky., native Justin Sensabaugh, who is the Operations Superintendent at Kentucky American Water, has joined the Board of Directors of Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, the nonprofit that encourages volunteers to pick up litter during the annual Spring Cleanup.
SOMERSET, KY - Eastern Kentucky PRIDE announced today that Justin Sensabaugh has joined to its Board of Directors. He will volunteer his time and expertise to direct PRIDE, a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental cleanup and education in 42 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky.
Sensabaugh is an Operations Superintendent for Kentucky American Water, an investor-owned water utility that serves nearly half-million Kentuckians. Sensabaugh manages the company's Northern Operations, which includes the town of Owenton and a 20-million-gallons-per-day water treatment plant serving Owenton and Lexington.
Sensabaugh has been with Kentucky American Water for seven years and has worked in the water and wastewater field for 17 years. He holds several state certifications in water and wastewater, has an Associate of Arts degree from Somerset Community College, and is currently working on his Bachelor's degree at Midway College.
"My wife, Leah, and I are both originally from London, Ky., and our extended family still lives there," Sensabaugh said. "Being from London, I am familiar with Eastern Kentucky and the counties PRIDE serves."
"I have a personal connection to PRIDE, having volunteered for the Laurel Lake cleanup in the past," he added. "I have witnessed PRIDE in the Laurel County area help with different environmental projects and initiatives over the years. Being a good steward to the environment is important to me."
"Kentucky American Water has a connection to PRIDE mainly due to our vision 'Clean Water for Life,' and one of our core values 'Environmental Leadership,'" Sensabaugh explained. "Kentucky American Water also has a long- standing relationship with Bluegrass PRIDE, currently Bluegrass GreenSource, which was modeled after Eastern Kentucky PRIDE."
"We are pleased to welcome Justin to the Board of Directors," said Tammie Wilson, PRIDE President/Chief Executive Officer.
"As a native of this region, Justin understands that a clean, healthy environment is closely tied to our overall quality of life," she said. "His extensive training and experience with water and wastewater issues will be helpful as we assist communities to improve their water quality and wastewater service."
"Dedicated, skilled board members are essential to the success of a small nonprofit, so I appreciate Justin's commitment to PRIDE and the support shown by Kentucky American Water," Wilson added. The PRIDE Board of Directors meets bimonthly to establish guidelines for PRIDE programs and approve the organization's budget. Nine board members are volunteers who bring particular expertise to fulfilling the PRIDE mission. One staff member, the President/Chief Executive Officer also serves on the board.
PRIDE promotes "Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment" by encouraging and equipping communities to improve water quality, clean up solid waste problems and promote environmental education. PRIDE was founded in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-5) and the late James Bickford, who was the Kentucky Secretary for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
"The annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup is underway, and our theme this year is, 'Take PRIDE, Company's Coming," Wilson said. "A great way to welcome spring and tourists is to make sure our incredible landscape looks its best. You can do your part by picking up litter near your home, church, business or favorite spot. If you need trash bags, gloves or safety vests, then call our toll-free number."
The toll-free number for PRIDE is 888-577-4339. The PRIDE web site is <http://www.kypride.org> www.kypride.org.
