ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody Retires After Six Years — App Launch and Transfer Station Among Legacy Items

Escambia County, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- Bruce Woody is wrapping up his final day as Executive Director of the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority on Friday — closing out a 42-year career in utilities management with what he calls one of the most rewarding positions he's ever held.

Woody joined ECUA six years ago and leaves the agency in what he describes as a strong operational position. He highlighted two areas he's particularly proud of and one he wishes he could have finished before walking out the door.

MyECUA App

The launch of the MyECUA app stands as one of Woody's signature achievements. The app — available on mobile devices, allows customers to request bulk pickup, report missed trash or recycling service, pay bills, order service, and check consumption levels without ever calling customer service. Launched just two months ago the app is already handling nearly 10 percent of ECUA's more than 4,000 monthly service requests. Woody says requests submitted through the app bypass paper systems and go directly to staff, resulting in faster response times. He says ECUA is targeting 20 percent of requests through the app and believes that number is achievable.

Transfer Station Still Pending

The one item Woody wishes he could have finished is the ECUA transfer station in Beulah — still awaiting final permitting. Woody says the facility would allow trucks to offload closer to their routes rather than making the full trip to the landfill — reducing truck traffic on Beulah Road, cutting hauling costs, and improving operational efficiency for ratepayers.

Yard Debris and City of Pensacola

With the city facing a record yard debris backlog ECUA has offered a proposal to help clear the surplus this season. Woody says the city is giving it serious consideration though nothing has been finalized.

What's Next

Woody is relocating to Missouri to be closer to family and grandchildren — and says he's looking forward to spending time in his woodshop building furniture. Don Palmer — a 26-year ECUA employee — will serve as interim executive director while the board conducts its permanent search. The board is interviewing candidates this week and is expected to make a decision by end of day Friday.