Board of Directors

I started work with the City of New Plymouth in May 1999 and was appointed Public Works Superintendent in November 2000. I am a Certified Wastewater Treatment Lagoon operator, a Certified Wastewater Collection Level 2 operator, and a Certified Water Distribution Level 2 operator.

Throughout my career in public works I have worked with federal and state legislators, as well as agencies such as FEMA, EPA, Idaho Department of Lands, and IDEQ. I work closely with these agencies and individuals to remain current with laws and rules. I participate in the rule-making process when possible. It is important to me to assure small rural communities have a voice. My system has received a variety of awards from Idaho Rural Water, including IRWA Wastewater System of the Year in 2009. In addition, the operators who work under me as well as myself have received special recognition for our dedication to our community. I was awarded IRWA Water Operator of the Year in 2010.

I have participated in many utility rate reviews and analyses serving as Public Works Superintendent. I previously held a seat on the Idaho Rural Water Board of Directors (2013 to 2015), as well as my current term and have represented Idaho’s rural communities in Washington DC.

I am running for a position on the IRWA board simply to help maintain the level of service that our rural water systems receive as IRWA members. During my previous time on the board I was proud to serve the membership, and to be directly involved in the start-up of IRWA Support Services, LLC. This program will help IRWA keep Circuit Rider positions in water and wastewater regardless of government funding.

One of my goals as your board member would be to help this program excel while protecting and maintaining the benefits of being an IRWA member.

I was born and raised in Sandpoint Idaho on my family’s dairy farm. After graduating high school, I started working with a local electrical company as an apprentice electrician where I worked specifically in the water and wastewater fields. In November of 2009 I joined the City of Coeur d'Alene Water Department team and began my career working on the infrastructure crew. Due to my previous experience working with pumps and electrical, I quickly made the transition to the Operations Division and spent several years working as a pump operator. In 2016, I returned to the construction crew as a supervisor, I oversaw the installation, maintenance and repairs of our drinking water infrastructure.  Most recently in 2023, I became the Assistant Director of the Water Department. In the past 15 years I have acquired a Drinking Water Distribution Class IV, Drinking Water Treatment Class II, Electrical Contractors, and Backflow Assembly Test Licenses. I am a forward thinking, highly motivated professional familiar with all aspects of water infrastructure, pumps, wells, treatment and operations in various size systems. I am comfortable and proficient working in a team environment that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I feel that my knowledge and experience as a water operator and administrator has given me the ability to learn and adapt to changing scenarios and would be able to provide valuable input as a board member of the Idaho Rural Water Association.

Interest in being a board member:

With the growth and high demand for quality water in our area and state, I have dedicated myself to ensure I am doing everything I can to train new operators and continue to provide a safe resource and access to drinking water for our customers. I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors because I have a profound interest in water system management and feel that with my knowledge and experience in this trade, I would be a great asset to the IRWA team.

I’d like to introduce myself.

My name is Brian Vail and I was born and raised in this beautiful state of Idaho. My wife and I along with our five kids like to get out and enjoy our state by camping, hunting, and fishing.

I started my career with water and wastewater back in 2012 when I worked for the small City of Bancroft, Idaho. Three years later I accepted a position in the water department with the City of Heyburn. Since then, I was offered and accepted the position as the Water/Wastewater Supervisor. Thanks to the Tony Elfering scholarship I received through IRWA I was able to further my education by taking some college classes. I now have my level I in wastewater and level II in drinking water.

I enjoy my job and I plan to continue my education and advancing with my licensing. I want to be able help train and teach others how to keep the environment and our communities’ water safe. I also look forward to giving back to the IRWA and others that have helped me through my career.

Thanks for your consideration.