Press Releases

NEW ORLEANS, LA – After over six years of transformative leadership, Ghassan Korban, Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), has announced his decision to resign, effective May 2, 2025. Korban's leadership has been instrumental in stabilizing the utility, enhancing service delivery, and fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency.

"It has been an incredible honor to lead SWBNO and work alongside such a talented and committed team," said Korban. "Together, we have made significant strides in addressing critical infrastructure needs and laying the groundwork for improved customer service for the citizens of New Orleans. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I am confident that the work we’ve done will have a lasting impact on the utility and the community."

“Throughout his time at SWBNO, Ghassan has spearheaded numerous projects that have significantly modernized operations,” said Poco Sloss, SWBNO President Pro-Tem. “Among his most notable achievements are the Power Complex, the Smart Metering Program, and the People Plan—an initiative to improve the utility’s workforce model. Each of these accomplishments represents a major leap forward, but achieving all three is truly transformative."

Korban’s tenure at SWBNO has been  marked by key achievements and initiatives, guided by a Five-Year Strategic Plan the utility adopted in 2022, that strengthened the utility’s operations and improved service for New Orleans residents. These accomplishments include:

• The Power Complex, a groundbreaking $300+ million power plant that will replace antiquated systems with state-of-the-art, reliable equipment to power drinking water and drainage systems. This significant investment, which is on track for completion this summer, will strengthen the utility’s ability to serve customers, especially during major weather events.
• Smart Metering Program, a transformational effort to replace all 140,000 mechanical meters throughout the city with an industry-proven technology that digitally measures water use, resulting in more accurate bills. Customers with smart meters can access their water use data through a new online account, creating more transparency in the billing process. SWBNO is on track to replace all residential water meters by the end of 2025.
• Water Hammer Hazard Mitigation Program,  a FEMA-funded capital investment program that enabled the utility to build two water towers and upgrade drinking water infrastructure. These improvements have nearly eliminated citywide boil water advisories since 2019.
• Water Quality Master Plan, a strategic planning effort to identify drinking water investment priorities and explore potential funding sources to implement the recommendations. This in-depth review of the system will offer guidance on new treatment technologies and ways the utility can address climate change threats, such as saltwater intrusion.  
• Lead Awareness Program, a monumental undertaking to eliminate all lead service lines throughout New Orleans. This year, SWBNO launched a service line material inventory to identify lead lines throughout the city. The next phase involves a 10-year lead service line replacement program to protect public health.
• People Plan,  a staff-led effort to determine the workforce model for SWBNO that best supports a high-performing and inspired workforce.

Korban has also worked to address other critical infrastructure needs, including replacing over 100 miles of transmission mains and nearly eliminating the pavement repair backlog. In addition to these legacy programs, SWBNO recently regained responsibility for the full drainage system and will begin maintaining the city’s 72,000 catch basins and the eight million linear feet of minor drainage lines this year.

"During my time at SWBNO, I have greatly valued the guidance and leadership of Mayor Cantrell and the SWBNO Board of Directors. I also appreciate the ongoing support from the City Council as we work toward our common goal of improving the utility for the benefit of New Orleans," said Korban. "As we navigate this transition, I remain fully committed to supporting the team and ensuring that the utility stays on course to continue serving our city."

SWBNO Board members and partners commended Korban for his extraordinary leadership over his tenure at the utility.

“As President of the SWBNO Board of Directors, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Korban for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to our community’s water, wastewater, and drainage services," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "SWBNO has made significant strides in improving efficiency, sustainability, and the quality of service we provide to our residents through major capital projects like the Smart Metering Program and the Power Complex. Mr. Korban's contributions have left a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his dedication over his tenure.”

“When Ghassan became executive director of the SWBNO in 2018, it was a utility close to bankruptcy with a myriad of problems caused by decades of underfunding, poor management, and inadequate maintenance,” said Paul Flower, Infrastructure Advisory Board Chair. While challenges remain, the SWBNO has undeniably seen significant improvement over the last six years. By the end of this year, SWBNO will be a different, much improved utility. Smart metering, reliable power supply, improved maintenance, miles of water line replacement, a cogent strategic plan, better financial condition, a good bond rating… these are just a few of the improvements he has implemented. We are fortunate as a community that Ghassan accepted this position and brought his 30 years of water utility experience to our city.”

"Working with Mr. Ghassan Korban has been my privilege,” said Dr. Angela M Chalk,  Executive Director Healthy Community Services. “His leadership has opened avenues to hear from and work with community-based organizations in a participatory manner. His innovative and best practices for community participation will be greatly missed.”

Korban leaves behind a legacy of innovation, strategic growth, and a resilient utility that is better equipped to face the challenges ahead. The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans will continue its mission of providing reliable water, wastewater, and drainage services to the people of New Orleans.

“Reflecting on my six years here, I am filled with gratitude—for the trust New Orleans has placed in me and for the chance to contribute to the thriving future of our city,” said Korban. “Now, I look forward to spending more time with my children and grandchildren, who will become the focus of my next chapter.”

The SWBNO Board of Directors will launch a national search to fill the Executive Director position.

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