Randy Hayman

Randy E. Hayman, Esq., learned his greatest leadership lesson from his father, Robert B.E. Hayman, who worked as an educator for more than 49 years. That lesson: Think for yourself.

At first it sounds overly simplistic, but in moments of trepidation, when facing the proverbial fork in the road, when feeling the unwavering pressure of the crowd, it reminds me of the importance of standing tall and talking clearly with confidence based on a foundation of preparedness,” Randy E. Hayman said. “Believe in yourself and speak out strongly to the world with confidence and self-reliance.”

Hayman follows that lesson in his role as commissioner and CEO of the Philadelphia Water Department. The department supplies drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to customers in Philadelphia. It manages more than 3,100 miles of water mains, 3,700 miles of sewer, six treatment facilities and 34 pumping stations.

The Philadelphia Water Department has a 25-year water revitalization initiative in which it will spend $25 million implementing engineering plans to fix anticipated problems before they become problems. As for climate change, “We will incorporate ‘good science’ and data modeling into our evaluation procedures and regulations. Again, by being smarter, we can avoid many of the problems that await us,” the department said.

The mayor appointed Hayman to lead the water department in June 2019. Hayman previously served as general counsel for 15 years at two major water utilities, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority and the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. He also served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Missouri and was previously a partner at the law firm of Beveridge & Diamond.

“Now, more than ever before, water is one of the most important elements on earth,” Hayman said. “Wateris life, and so we must be diligent in meeting our duty to protect it. To do so, we must plan our work and be strategic in developing a maintenance and repair schedule that allows us to fortify the plants and pipes needed to bring fresh water to our homes and business. While often unseen, water plays a major role in supporting businesses across Philadelphia. Our city does not run on gasoline … it runs on water!”

Hayman received his law degree from Georgetown University. He graduated with honors as a political science major at the University of Michigan.

Hayman has served as moderator or panelist for several American Bar Association and National Bar Association legal panel discussions. He has also served as a reporter for KMOX Radio, a CBS Radio News affiliate, and as a radio talk show host for KTRS Radio, an ABC Radio News affiliate.