Jim Harvey*

Jim Harvey took a fork in the road after receiving his master’s degree in chemistry from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Harvey already had accepted a job but found himself drawn to a cryptic newspaper ad. His curiosity led to an interview and a new job as a chemist with the Little Rock Municipal Water Works.

“I thought, ‘Wow, this job is for me,’ ” Harvey said. “It’s exactly the kind of work I want to be involved in.”

Two years after beginning his career in water, Harvey became superintendent of production in 1973. He held that post until 1987 when he was named assistant manager.

In 1996, Harvey rose to chief executive officer. He attributes his success to determination, caring and surrounding himself with smart people.

After 31 years, the one-time high school dropout from Swifton (Jackson County) is chief executive officer of the largest water utility in Arkansas, Central Arkansas Water.

CAW, which employs 278, represents what was the Little Rock and North Little Rock water departments – a politically charged merger whose successful completion prompted Arkansas Business of the Year judges to select Harvey as a finalist despite the fact that he is executive of a quasi-governmental utility rather than a traditional for-profit business.

“We plan our journey by trying to be the best water works in the world,” Harvey said. Water quality awards combined with low cost have become a calling card for the utility.

The system supplied almost 19.3 billion gallons of water during 2002, generating more than $31 million.

Overseeing the selection of a new regional water source and developing his eventual successor are two of his biggest priorities. His civic activities include the Union Pacific Citizens Advisory Board, vice chairman of the Camp Robinson/Camp Pike Citizens Council and Rotary Club of Little Rock.

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