Troy Weatherhead steps into his new role as Reservoir Manager of the Brazos River Authority's oldest reservoir with a future-focused mindset and an emphasis on the greater good.
Possum Kingdom Lake and the Morris Sheppard Dam are under new leadership as Weatherhead takes the helm after an almost 11-year career with the BRA.
Weatherhead was selected to lead due to his drive, knowledge, perseverance, and experiences, said Mike McClendon, BRA's upper basin regional manager.
"The BRA can rely on Troy," McClendon said. "He works with a hands-on approach but also knows when to let his folks work through the issue and gain experience."
Possum Kingdom Lake, located on the main stem of the Brazos River northwest of Fort Worth, was the first water supply reservoir constructed in the Brazos River Basin and by the Brazos River Authority.
Weatherhead joined the BRA in 2013 as the Supervisor of Lake Development. He was still active-duty military at the time, having spent the prior 25 years in the U.S. Navy, most recently as a Master Chief Machinist Mate with nuclear classification. Originally from southeast Kansas, when Weatherhead graduated high school, he knew he didn't want to stay local and wasn't ready for college. Since then, he's earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technologies and a Master of Science in Management from Excelsior University.
During his employment, Weatherhead has worked under three reservoir managers.
"Over the years of my employment, I developed a pretty good knowledge about everything and a great working relationship and rapport with the other employees," he said, adding it was his coworkers who encouraged him to apply for the role.
He acknowledged his colleagues' support and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum, developing teamwork, and instilling individual growth.
"I decided I didn't want to change the operational characteristics at PK. We have a good group," he said. "I didn't want someone new to come in and then things start to slow as that outside person has to learn everything. There is a lot to do and learn at PK."
Weatherhead officially took the position May 1, 2024, though he had been serving as interim reservoir manager since Dec. 15, 2023. Weatherhead revealed that utilitarian principles guide his decision-making.
"I'm simple," he said. "I look out for the good of the group, not the good of the individual. I put others before myself. I learned that in the military. It's about making this team function as a united team, accomplishing goals with the least negative impact."
Weatherhead said he has a few simple mantras he follows, such as, "the past is the past, you can't do anything about it, so move on;" "stop trying to control what you can't control, it will eat you alive;" and "accept what you inspect, not what you expect."
His ambition lies in inspiring others, not just managing the up to 44 employees at the Lake Office.
"Anyone can manage someone. It takes certain charisma and abilities to lead people, to get people to believe in you," he said.
Despite having been built in 1941, inspectors who look over the Morris Sheppard Dam regularly say the meat and bones of the structure remain in incredible shape. The older anything gets, the more new issues arise, but that's why regular maintenance is performed at the dam to help stay ahead of any issues, he said. The goal is to greatly extend the life of the dam, he said.
With its backdrop of rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and lush greenery, the already-popular Possum Kingdom Lake hasn't maxed out on residents around the water supply reservoir. While the east side of the lake is dense with residences, the west side remains largely underdeveloped. Once that area is built up, there will be an impact, he said.
"You're talking about population growth. It's going to shoot out the roof here at the lake and there's going to be a lot more activities at the lake," Weatherhead said. "Future development is going to be a big deal for us at PK."
The key to weathering any storm is thorough preparation. You may not be able to stop what's coming, but we can be ready to face it head-on and minimize any impact, he said.
When the time comes to retire, Weatherhead said, he hopes he'll have helped position the organization into an even better situation to overcome obstacles and be prepared for the unforeseen. Meanwhile, the father of two spends time outside the office traveling to visit his sons and three grandchildren.
McClendon said Weatherhead has been a valuable member of the BRA since he arrived.
"He is confident and extremely knowledgeable," McClendon said. "Troy brings a get the job done and get it done right attitude. I trust Troy's advice and look forward to seeing him continue to exceed expectations in his new role."