The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners today announced the appointment of John P. Murray as its new executive director. Murray, who has been serving as acting executive director since the retirement of Brian A. Perkovich in March, brings more than two decades of experience in the water industry and a distinguished career of service at the MWRD.

Murray held several leadership roles during his tenure, including director of Maintenance and Operations and section head of the Stormwater Management and Local Sewer Systems sections. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the MWRD’s mission to protect the region’s water environment and facilitate stormwater management initiatives.

A licensed professional engineer in the state of Illinois, Murray holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Public Works from the Illinois Institute of Technology. His technical knowledge, combined with his proven leadership, positions him to guide the MWRD into its next chapter of innovation and service.

As executive director, Murray will oversee MWRD’s operations, including wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and resource recovery initiatives that serve 5.19 million people living in Chicago and 128 surrounding municipalities. He will guide a staff of approximately 1,800 in driving a forward-looking agenda that positions the MWRD as a “Utility of the Future.” In 2025, the MWRD was named by international water leaders as one of 82 “Leading Utilities of the World” for its prominent, innovative and progressive work to positively impact water resources and conditions around the world.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and our team to build on a legacy of protecting our region’s water,” said Murray. “Together, we will safeguard the water environment and advance stormwater management practices.”