Caryl Giles –– Water woman! Wonder woman!
GM Trigg Cathey congratulating Caryl Giles on her retirement.
In 1979, Carol Ann Giles was a 20-year-old feed store employee. She heard they were hiring at the local water plant, and she applied for the job and began a 46-year career providing safe drinking water to millions of Tennesseans.
She worked for the city of Franklin water management department for 11 years and then went to the Harpeth Valley utility district for 12 years. She then moved to the Spring Hill water department for 17 years where she rose to the position of water plant manager. During her time there the Spring Hill population grew from 12,000 to 42,000 people.
One of the greatest challenges in her career was being a “woman in a man’s world.” She was a pioneer, breaking stereotypes and getting people to take her seriously. She had to be very tough with very thick skin.
In 2019, she came to Lewisburg Water to be closer to her home in Lewisburg. She wore many hats in her job, taking care of the wastewater lab, safety, and the information technology department. Trigg Cathey, who hired her, said this was one of his best hires ever. He added “She NEVER backs down from a challenge. She knows EVERYBODY who has had anything to do with the water industry in Tennessee. She has a wealth of knowledge developed by her many years in the industry.” She is very giving with her knowledge helping anyone who needs help. She mentors many younger water professionals. She was once called to help a young man who was melting down and going to resign and quit the water business. She spent 3 days with him, restoring his confidence and he later became the water plant manager.
After 5 years in Lewisburg, she retired last month, ending her 46-year career in water and wastewater. She is now free to travel the country with Mike, her husband of 46 years. He travels with his sales job, and now she can go along and enjoy the ride. They have covered the whole United States and are going back for more. They also work on their farm and raise beef cattle.
“I am happy to report that she is still hanging around our office as a consultant and helping us design and build a new 6 million gallons a day water plant that is needed for Lewisburg to grow. Thank you, Caryl and HAPPY RETIREMENT!
