Dr. Ken Hammond led the Poteau Valley Improvement Authority as its Chairman for 27 years, until his untimely death in February 2016. He was a member of the PVIA board for 36 years. With his calm, kind demeanor and ready smile, it would be hard to overstate the importance of Ken’s leadership to the success that PVIA had during those years. Ken was a strong advocate for the importance of creating a dependable supply of safe drinking water for the people of LeFlore County and nearby areas. Ken was also a fierce advocate for the protection and restoration of Lake Wister, the source of that drinking water. Under Ken’s leadership, PVIA embarked on a ambitious program to make source water protection an integral part of PVIA’s mission.
To honor Dr. Hammond and his service to PVIA and our community, PVIA commissioned and has installed this plaque in the entryway to the Water Plant. Stop by and see it.