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Oklahoma Onsite Wastewater Association

OOWA


Jason Birdsong - OOWA President

Board Member Since 2018 | Licensed Installer and Pumper

It is Jason's driving force that created JT Septic Co., a successful company with a significant history of excellent service in Northeastern Oklahoma. Jason is passionate about ensuring his business stands up against others by providing the best for their customers and employees. His dedication to doing things the right way, even if it’s harder or costs more, is the reason why you'll find him encouraging continued education, professionalism, and licensure in the industry. Jason is living out his passion for changing the septic and wastewater industry in his role as President of the Oklahoma On-site Wastewater Association. He also serves as Vice President of NAWT.


Brian Gates - OOWA Vice President

Board Member Since 2011 | Licensed Installer and Manufacturer

Brian Gates, along with his wife Julie, is the owner and operator of Gates Excavation & Hauling, Inc. in Vian, Oklahoma. Gates Excavation & Hauling, Inc. manufactures and installs conventional and aerobic septic systems in the Lake Tenkiller area of eastern Oklahoma. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northeastern State University and serves as a board member and Vice-President of the Oklahoma Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA). Having been around the septic industry his entire life, Brian has an in-depth knowledge of new system installations and repairs.


Shane Biggs - OOWA Treasurer

Board Member Since 2011 | Installer and Pumper

Shane Biggs is the owner and CEO of Biggs Backhoe which was founded in 1981 by Shane’s parents, Earl and Nita Biggs. Shane grew up installing lateral line septic systems and doing repairs with his parents. After college in 1991, he joined Biggs Backhoe full time. Over the course of the next few years, Biggs Backhoe began to install aerobic systems. The increasing demand for installation and service of aerobics in central Oklahoma during that time facilitated the growth of Biggs Backhoe to become one of the largest septic service and installation companies in Oklahoma. Shane has been an active member of the first septic installer’s association, OCIA (Oklahoma Certified Installer’s Association) and has served multiple terms as president. Shane has remained active in OCIA and now OOWA having at least one person on the board from his company every year since the early 2000’s. In 2016 Shane and his wife, Elizabeth, took over management of Biggs Backhoe and later in 2019 they purchased the company from Earl and Nita Biggs. Since the purchase of the company, they have added septic pumping and commercial septic installation to their company and expanded their septic service business.


MaKenna Wood - OOWA Secretary

Board Member Since 2024

MaKenna's dedication and expertise shine in her role as Secretary of the Oklahoma On-site Wastewater Association (OOWA). With a strong background in marketing, she plays a crucial role in conference planning and development, ensuring event success. Her strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail make her an asset to the organization. MaKenna's commitment to excellence and her passion for fostering strong relationships reflect her deep-seated dedication to the mission of OOWA.


Kevin Ruark

Board Member Since 2008 & Past President | Licensed Installer, Pumper, and Manufacturer

Kevin Ruark is originally from Northeastern Oklahoma and attended high school in Dallas, TX. He graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas with degrees in Business and Ag Business. Kevin pursued his interest in cattle, working at an embryo transfer facility and then managing a registered cattle ranch northwest of Houston. Kevin next moved into sales, achieving success selling computers for Triad Systems in South Florida. In 1993 he joined a start-up professional employer organization (PEO), Accord Human Resources, in Oklahoma City. Accord became one of the largest PEO’s in the country with Kevin eventually serving as VP of Sales. In 2006, Kevin and his wife, Julia, started Red Dirt Septic in Edmond, OK. Today, Red Dirt employs over 60 employees with locations in Edmond and Tuttle, Oklahoma.

Stu Young

Board Member Since 2005 | Licensed Installer

A banker through the 80’s and 90’s, followed his love for small business and joined up with his father-in-law and brother-in-law in 1999 to help manage their growing backhoe and trucking business.


Dawn Rohrs

Board Member Since 2022 | Licensed Installer, Pumper, and Soil Tester

Dawn Rohrs has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of North Dakota. She is also a licensed sanitarian and environmental specialist, a certified soil profiler, and a certified installer. Prior to starting Cyclone Septics in 2016 with her husband, Michael, she worked in oil & gas for 15 years as a drilling engineer. The company was initially a side-hustle until Michael and their sons, Austin & Cody, started working full time for Cyclone in 2017. In 2019, Cyclone became a manufacturer for NuWater aerobics, and Dawn semi-retired from oil & gas in 2021 to also join the company full-time. Today, Cyclone installs and sells aerobics to installers across Northern Oklahoma. In addition to Cyclone, Dawn also runs Blue Lion Consulting which focuses on oil & gas, construction, and general business consulting. 


Lonnie Welch

Board Member Since 2022 | Manufacturing Representative

Lonnie Welch has been in the wastewater treatment industry since 1994, beginning as an Applications Engineer for Rietschle Thomas. While with Rietschle Thomas, Lonnie was awarded several US patents for air compressor designs. In the last 18 years he has held numerous positions including his current position as National Sales Manager for Clearstream Wastewater Systems, Inc. Lonnie is also a 9-year US Army veteran with service in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In addition to his duties with Clearstream Wastewater Systems Inc., he holds the position of Manager for Septic and Storm Precast LLC.


Tanner Devine

Tanner Devine is the owner and CEO of A-1 Septic Systems in Stillwater, OK. Tanner's grandpa, Joe founded A-1 in 1981, and the company has been in his family ever since. Tanner and his wife, Shelby, purchased A-1 from his aunt before her passing and have had big goals ever since. Tanner has over 12 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in dirt work and grading for state roadwork. With his expertise and outstanding customer service, Tanner has expanded A-1 Septic with new services - making it Stillwater's only full-service septic company. Tanner believes in the importance of continued education and excellence in this industry, and is proud to be a OOWA Board Member to ensure that.

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