LRWRA

Michael Rhoda, a certified public accountant, joined Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority as Chief Financial Officer in July 2019. He is responsible for Accounting and Finance; as well as Procurement, Information Services and Risk Management-Safety. Michael has more than 35 years of experience including six years in public accounting, 24 years in telecommunications where he held various finance, marketing, operations and government affairs leadership positions and six years as owner and operator of small local family-owned franchise business. Michael is a 1982 graduate of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois where he earned a B.S. in Accounting.

J. Ryan Benefield, P.E., is the Chief Operating Officer at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) with oversite responsibilities for Engineering, Treatment Facility Operations, and Maintenance. He has over 27 years of experience in engineering project design and construction management, project financing, and regulatory compliance. Ryan joined the LRWRA Team in June 2024. Before this role, he worked nine years as the Deputy Director and Chief Engineer at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and 11 years at the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality, including as Director of the State Agency. Ryan holds an Arkansas Professional Engineer License and earned his degree in geological engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Deanna Ray serves as the Chief Legal Officer for the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority. In this role, she is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and C-Staff Team. She provides counsel to management, employees, and the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission on legal and compliance matters, including environmental regulations and permits, easements, procurement, contract, employment and construction law, and Arkansas Freedom of Information Act issues. She directly supervises, advises, and develops two departments and has oversight responsibility for Human Resources and Environmental Affairs, which includes legal and governmental relations. Prior to her time at LRWRA, Ms. Ray served as Senior Assistant District Counsel and Team Lead for the Little Rock District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She was appointed Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas and the Western District of Missouri. She was responsible for leading the Civil Works, Criminal, and Environmental Law Team and providing legal guidance on real estate and environmental issues, as well as guidance to the Table Rock Lake Project Office. She was also assigned to other litigation and operations projects. Before joining USACE, Ms. Ray worked for the State of Arkansas for more than seven years. Most recently, she served as an Attorney Specialist for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration (ABC), where she regulated the sale of alcohol and helped usher in medical marijuana availability in Arkansas. While at ABC, she was appointed by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve as Interim Director of ABC. Before working for ABC, Ms. Ray served as Associate General Counsel for the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC). Ms. Ray worked for Wilson & Associates, a private real estate law firm, preceding her time in state government. Ms. Ray is a Little Rock, Arkansas native. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and history from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Arkansas. Ms. Ray is married and has two daughters. Ms. Ray gives back to her community through various non-profit organizations across the region. She is a Junior League of Little Rock member and serves on the boards of Audubon Delta; Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas; the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers; Overton Inns of Court; and Ozark Land Trust.

Harold Hounwanou, P.E., serves the Little Rock residents as LRWRA’s Director of Collection System Maintenance. Harold joined the LRWRA Team in April 2017 as a Utility Worker on the Manhole Adjustment/Rehab Crew and was promoted to Project Administrator (Developer-Funded) in July 2018. These previous roles gave him an understanding of the vital importance of the service LRWRA provides to the Little Rock community and reinforced his commitment to public service. He was promoted to Director of Collection System Maintenance in May 2021. Harold is originally from Benin, West Africa, where he received his first degree in Water Resources Engineering in 2011. Inspired by the challenges related to both clean drinking water access and adequate sanitation in his home country, he pursued higher education in the United States, with the hope to learn enough to begin some effort toward improving the living conditions in his country. He learned English at Henderson State University and earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering in 2018 from North Carolina State University. In November 2020, Harold earned his Professional Engineers license in the State of Arkansas.

Rebecca Burkman serves as the Director of Environmental Affairs for LRWRA. She oversees the Compliance Laboratory, Environmental Sampling, Industrial Pretreatment, and Quality Assurance sections. Rebecca began her journey with LRWRA in June of 2017 as a Lab Tech and was promoted to Lab Administrator in September 2019. After serving in an interim capacity for four months, she was promoted to Director of Environmental Affairs in April 2022. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She then attended graduate school at the University of Maryland Global Campus where she earned a Master of Science in Environmental Management and a Master of Business Administration. Rebecca is active with the Arkansas Water Works & Water Environment Association and currently serves as the Director of the Central District.

Les Price, P.E., is the Director of Engineering Services at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA). He has over 30 years of experience in water and wastewater project design and construction management. In 2022, Les joined LRWRA as the Engineering Manager of Developer-Funded, FOG, and Service Line Replacement programs. Before this role, he worked as a Staff Engineer, Partner, and Corporate Officer at a civil and environmental consulting firm. Les is an active member of the Little Rock Engineers Club and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He has served on the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas Board and the AWEA Collection System Certification Committee. Les holds an Arkansas Professional Engineer License and earned his degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas.

Jody Sims serves as the Director of Facilities and Asset Management for Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA). In this role, Jody oversees the strategic planning, maintenance, and lifecycle management of LRWRA’s physical assets and facilities, ensuring they meet the utility’s operational needs while aligning with its long-term infrastructure goals. Jody brings over seven years of experience in maintenance management, supported by a diverse background in millwright work, welding, industrial maintenance, and construction. His experience spans a wide range of industries, including food processing, rolled goods manufacturing, and high-demand 24/7 production environments. Prior to joining LRWRA, Jody held various roles that deepened his expertise in asset reliability, preventive maintenance, and cross-functional team leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration from the University of Arkansas Grantham. He also holds an Arkansas Industrial Electrician License. Jody is passionate about operational excellence and is committed to improving infrastructure efficiency and sustainability across LRWRA’s service areas.

Cary Beth Lipscomb, P.E., serves as the Director of Operations for the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA), where she oversees the effective operation of three water reclamation facilities and multiple wet weather attenuation facilities. With over 12 years of experience in wastewater project management, capital planning, and engineering leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise to the organization’s mission of protecting public health and the environment. Since joining LRWRA in March 2016, Cary Beth has held several key positions, including Project Administrator of Facilities and Engineering Manager for Capital Improvements. In these roles, she led critical infrastructure upgrades, managed capital improvement projects, and played a central role in contract administration, dispute resolution, and securing federal funding and loans. A Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Arkansas, Cary Beth earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She is an active member of the American Water Works Association and the Arkansas Water Works & Water Environment Association, where she currently serves as Secretary of the Arkansas Water Conference.

Angela L. Brooks is a seasoned Human Resources executive and wellness enthusiast whose journey spans both coasts of the United States. Born in San Francisco, California, Angela is the middle child of three sisters. When she was just one year old, her father’s military assignment relocated the family to Baltimore, Maryland, where she spent the first eleven formative years of her life. The family later returned to California, settling in Oceanside.

Angela began her collegiate studies at Virginia State University before returning to California to earn her Associate Degree in Business Management from Kelsey Jenny School of Business. After entering the workforce, she quickly found her calling in Human Resources. Over the next decade, she built a strong foundation in HR operations, employee relations, and workforce development. Driven by a desire to deepen her expertise, she later earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Human Resources Management Certification from the University of Phoenix.

Her HR career spans more than 20 years of progressive leadership, including nearly two decades at Pala Casino Spa Resort, where she advanced from HR Training Specialist to Director of Human Resources. She led major labor relations efforts, resolved complex disputes, revamped HR policies, and strengthened organizational culture — all while advising senior executives and guiding large, diverse workforces.

Today, Angela serves as the Director of Human Resources for the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, where she oversees HR strategy, workforce planning, compliance, and organizational development for a major public utility. Known for her integrity, calm leadership, and strategic approach, she is widely recognized as a trusted advisor who balances the needs of both employees and the organization.Beyond her professional achievement, Angela is proudest of her role as a mother. She has two adult children — a daughter, 31, and a son, 26 — who continue to inspire her personal and professional growth. She now resides in a suburb of Little Rock, Arkansas, where she has lived for nearly three years.

A devoted wellness advocate, Angela is passionate about fitness, health, and personal well‑being. She enjoys participating in diverse fitness groups, attending music concerts, and traveling whenever she can. Her life reflects a balance of career excellence, family devotion, and a commitment to living joyfully and intentionally.

Doug Roe serves as the Director of Accounting and Finance at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA), where he oversees daily accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, procurement, and customer service. He is also responsible for preparing monthly financial statements, annual budgets and managing audits. Doug joined LRWRA in July 2024, bringing with him over 33 years of experience in telecommunications finance, operations, and HR, with the last 5 years spent as Corporate Controller for Vestcom. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration as well as an MBA from the University of Kansas. He has previously served as a member of the Arkansas E911 Board.

Kenetta Ridgell is a communications professional with 25 years of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She has spent the past 11 years at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority and became Director of Communications and Community Engagement in June 2024. Kenetta serves on the Advisory Council for the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium, the Volunteers in Public Schools Board of Directors, and as board secretary for the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project. She holds a master’s degree in communications, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and certifications as a Public Manager and Wastewater operator. She is also a 2024 graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXIX and a member of the Public Relations Society of America and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.