James F. Gaughran Named Chairman of Suffolk County Water Authority Board

James F. Gaughran a board member of the Suffolk County Water Authority was named Chairman Wednesday.

He will be replacing retiring SCWA Chairman Michael LoGrande, who has held the post for the last 20 years.

"I am grateful and humbled by this appointment," said Gaughran in a statement. I will do my utmost to live up to their vote of confidence in me," said Gaughran. "Michael LoGrande made the Water Authority perhaps one of the greatest water agencies in the country. I want to continue on that path."

Gaughran, who is an attorney in private practice, has held a number of public sector appointments over the years including service as counsel to the Huntington Community Development Agency and the Village of Northport. From 1984 to 1987 he was an elected member of the Huntington Town Board, which included service as a Commissioner of the Dix Hills Water District. From 1988 to 1993 he was an elected member of the Suffolk County Legislature, representing the 17th District, during which time the Legislature aggressively supported and funded the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program.

"James Gaughran has served on the Board for 2 years and he knows that the Water Authority is probably the most important service to 1.2 million Suffolk citizens. He knows it's all about people and their health and safety," said LoGrande. "Jim also knows we have a fully professional staff dedicated to maintaining one of the finest systems in the United States. He will make a good chairman. I congratulate him and wish him the very best."

The Suffolk County Legislature also appointed Errol D. Toulon Jr. to a five-year term on the board.