Destin Water Users announced a leadership change Tuesday as Monica Wallis steps into the role of general manager, replacing Lockwood Wernet, who is retiring after 25 years with the utility.

• Wernet, who began his DWU career in March 2000 as a board member, served in various leadership positions before becoming general manager in April 2014. His tenure saw significant infrastructure improvements and operational advancements.

“I am most proud of the people I’ve worked with at DWU and their dedicated professionalism to serve the public health and safety of our community,” Wernet said.

Under his leadership, DWU completed several major projects including a new wellfield and transmission line, water towers, and equipment upgrades. The utility also converted its treatment disinfection process, built hurricane-proof facilities and installed automatic readers.

DWU received multiple awards during Wernet’s time, including Tank of the Year in 2020, Plant Operations Excellence Awards and Safety Awards.

Wallis, who has been with DWU since 2010, previously served as Engineering Manager before becoming Operations Manager in 2014. She comes from a family with deep roots in the utility company — her grandfather, Jimmy Trammell, was a founding director when DWU incorporated in 1963, and her mother, Sandy Trammell, has served on the board since 2006.

• “My grandfather helped to instill a good work ethic in me as a child and taught us about community, pride and hard work,” Wallis said. “Continuing in their footsteps and helping chart a vision for a growing community with the most precious resource of water — what better way than to lead DWU and establish a legacy of reliable service and high-quality water to our customers.”

In her current role, Wallis oversees technical operations and manages multi-million-dollar budgets for projects and daily operations. She also implements safety and training programs for employees.

“My goal as the general manager will be to guarantee reliable and sustainable safe drinking water for our customers and visitors, while being efficient and adhering to ever-changing regulations,” she said.

Wernet expressed confidence in his successor, stating that Wallis “possesses the knowledge, education, and experience to lead Team DWU into the future.”

Wernet’s contributions to the broader community were recently recognized by the Destin Chamber of Commerce, which honored him with a Lifetime Membership Award at their monthly breakfast earlier this month. The Chamber Board voted to present him with “one of our highest honors” in recognition of his service as a longtime board member, past Chamber Chairman, Destin Rotarian, and community supporter.

While looking forward to retirement activities including spending time with his grandchildren and traveling, Wernet said he will miss the people he worked with and their shared commitment to community service.