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File #: 2024-1280    Version: 1
Type: Proclamation Status: Adopted
File created: 12/2/2024 In control: City Council
On agenda: 12/3/2024 Final action: 12/3/2024
Enactment date: 12/3/2024 Enactment #: 858
Effective date: 12/3/2024    
Title: WHEREAS, Arletta Scott Williams, a Pittsburgh native, earned a B.S. in metallurgical engineering and materials science from Carnegie Mellon University and began her career at U.S. Steel; and,
Sponsors: Theresa Kail-Smith, All Members
Indexes: PROCLAMATION - MRS. KAIL-SMITH
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WHEREAS, Arletta Scott Williams, a Pittsburgh native, earned a B.S. in metallurgical engineering and materials science from Carnegie Mellon University and began her career at U.S. Steel; and,

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WHEREAS, Ms. Williams joined ALCOSAN on February 27, 1984, as a shift engineer. By 1996, she was Director of Operations and Maintenance, a position in which she was responsible for the daily operations of the wastewater treatment plant, 85 miles of interceptor sewer lines and almost 160 employees. In 1997, she concurrently served as Deputy Executive Director; and,

WHEREAS, in 1998, she made history as the first woman and African American Executive Director of ALCOSAN. Under Ms. Williams' leadership, ALCOSAN grew to a diverse organization of over 400 employees. Six of the top ten division directors reporting to her are women, one of whom is African American; and,

WHEREAS, Ms. Williams has received numerous accolades for her contributions, including the Greater Pittsburgh YWCA's Racial Justice Award in 2016 for business and professional services, the American Society of Civil Engineers' Service to People Award in 2014 for her community impact; and ESWP Metcalfe Award, 2022; and,

WHEREAS, she comes from a family with a strong public service tradition, including her late aunt, civil rights pioneer Thelma Williams Lovette (for whom the Hill District YMCA is named) her uncle "Pappy" Williams, Pennsylvania's first Black ward chair, her uncle Jake Williams, who was the first African American paymaster for Allegheny County and her late father, Frank A. Williams, a former Allegheny County deputy controller and director of property and supplies for Allegheny County; and,

WHEREAS, driven by her family's legacy of public service, Ms. Williams remains dedicated to advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her commitment to these values has paved the way for future generations of leaders, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. She...

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