Chen Vang

Meet Chen Vang, the guy who keeps Albemarle’s water flowing, clean, and mostly not on fire. Winner of the prestigious “North Carolina Waterworks Operator of the Year” award, Vang’s job is a little like being a superhero—if superheroes spent their time unclogging pipes and tweaking valves. He’s got a knack for balancing the town’s H2O needs with sustainable practices, ensuring that every glass of water is only slightly better than the last.

Vang’s career started with a love for the environment, and he’s spent years diving into the intricacies of Albemarle’s water systems—sometimes literally. Sure, no one throws a parade when he improves the pH balance, but that hasn’t stopped him from giving his all to the job. His dedication to excellence means Albemarle residents can take their water for granted while he quietly makes sure it’s safe to drink (and maybe even bathe in).

When he’s not busy being the guardian of the town’s taps, Vang is out in the community, teaching folks about water conservation and why flushing random objects isn’t great for the system. For a guy whose work often flies under the radar, he’s pretty much the reason you don’t have to think twice about your morning shower. Thanks, Vang, for keeping things wet, wild, and under control!