More than four decades of doing the unglamorous work well

Michael Sams brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience in water and wastewater operations to his role as President of EMS.

His path to the industry began with an unexpected opportunity. While attending technical school with plans to become an architect, Michael interviewed with Mr. Evans and chose a different direction. He joined EMS in May 2000, learning wastewater operations from the ground up and discovering a talent for troubleshooting, making repairs, and finding practical solutions in the field.

That drive helped shape both his career and the company’s growth. After helping establish EMS’s relationship with Orenco Systems and attending training in Oregon in early 2015, Michael saw an opportunity to bring installation and construction repairs in-house. Later that year, EMS hired its first installation employee, purchased its first tractor, and began building a division that would become an important part of the business. Along the way, Michael advanced from Field Manager to Operations Director, Vice President, and ultimately President.

Today, he works with engineers, operators, and rural water systems across three states, helping customers solve problems and keep their systems running reliably. His experience spans septic systems, sand filters, lagoon systems, community systems, and small municipal wastewater facilities. He especially enjoys the challenges of smaller systems and brings a persistent, give-it-your-all approach to every project. He credits God, Mr. Evans, and the people he has worked with for the opportunities and lessons that have shaped his journey.

Originally from Milton, Florida, Michael grew up in Georgia’s Hickory Flat community, where his family instilled a strong work ethic from an early age. He now lives in Blue Ridge with his wife of 20 years, Kim, and their daughters, Karli and Kyndal. Outside work, he enjoys trout fishing with Kim and friends and hunting on the family’s small farm in Kentucky.

Adela Gentry brings over two decades of hands-on experience in water and wastewater operations to her role as Vice President of Operations at EMS.

Her path to the industry was anything but conventional. Raised in rural Wisconsin by a father who worked as an aviation mechanic and beekeeper and a mother in banking and university administration, Adela grew up surrounded by animals and horses, an early education in patience and hard work that has stayed with her throughout her career.

After high school, she spent several years working around corporate aircraft in Milwaukee before becoming a flight attendant for Midwest Express. A move to Georgia in 1996 led her toward an unexpected new path. In 1999, she began her wastewater career at EGWSA, earning her Class III wastewater license and wastewater laboratory license. She joined EMS in 2001 as a laboratory analyst, rose to laboratory director by 2006 and has spent the years since deepening her expertise across operations, compliance and client service.

Adela lives in rural Fairmount, Georgia, with her husband, Tim, where they share their home with dogs, cats, horses and whatever animal in need finds its way to their door next.