How would you like to work for a living?
As with all of you, the last couple of days I've experienced a flood of Terry memories. One that stands out to me occurred in about 1980. Superfund was just passed, and Terry was selected to be the Chief of the newly created EPA Region 9, Emergency Response Section. At the time I had had a little oil spill response experience and no experience with hazmat. I knew who Terry was, but I didn't know him personally. Terry was tasked with quickly staffing the program. One day, I was walking down the hall in the old EPA building and was approached by Terry. In typical Brubaker job offer fashion he asked, "How would you like to work for a living?" or something similar. I was honored and felt as though I had just won the lottery. I accepted and worked closely with Terry for the next 20 years and never had a regret. In those days emergency response was never dull, and each job offered new challenges. Terry selected staff that he trusted and respected. He never felt that it was his job to second guess his staff but rather it was his job to clear roadblocks. His attitude earned the respect of staff and of our "clients", but it did not always set well with upper management, a situation that occasionally necessitated his bringing out the "rubber stamp'. Terry always got the job done.
After more than three decades working for EPA, I have learned that all Supervisors direct, the good ones lead, and the great ones Inspire.
Terry, we miss you.
-Bill