The details
McFoy previously served as the Buffalo Water Board chair—responsible for providing and improving water service to the community—and general manager of the Buffalo Sewer Authority—an organization responsible for maintaining and improving the water infrastructure of Buffalo—for nearly 20 years in New York, according to a Jan. 29 news release. In Buffalo, McFoy secured over $125 million in new grants for critical water quality infrastructure improvements and saved $145 million by deploying smart sewer AI data and analytics, according to a Nov. 20 news release from the Buffalo Sewer Authority.
“I am honored to work alongside Randy [Macchi] and under our mayor’s great vision for making sure that we get back to the basics of infrastructure and making things right for the people,” McFoy said during the City Council meeting. “That is making sure we have walkable sidewalks and drivable streets, and making sure that our water is where it should be.”
Career history
McFoy’s previous roles in Buffalo had its share of controversies.
In 2023, the Buffalo Water Board under McFoy’s leadership was involved in a class-action lawsuit for failing to fluoridate Buffalo's water for nine years.
According to the lawsuit, city officials quietly stopped adding fluoride to Buffalo’s water supply in 2015, without notifying the community. Fluoride in water benefits communities as it prevents cavities and reduces oral health disparities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. McFoy restored fluoride to the Buffalo’s water supply in 2024.
Additionally, the Buffalo Water Board was also accused of violating the Opening Meetings Law by limiting access to a public meeting in September and failing to post meeting minutes online.
According to a Nov. 12 statement from the New York State Committee on Open Government, government bodies are required to post meeting minutes within two weeks of the meeting date, but the water board had not done so since June.
Erin Jones, Houston Public Works public information officer, said the City of Houston did its due diligence to check McFoy's experience and credentials.
"The City of Houston engaged with a national search firm that identified Mr. McFoy as a top candidate," Jones said in an email. "Oluwole ‘OJ’ McFoy came highly recommended and his resume speaks to the expertise Houston needs in a City Engineer to ensure infrastructure is strong enough to last for the future. His skill in water and wastewater will help us meet the requirements of the consent decree and ensure Houston’s water quality maintains its superior rating across Texas and beyond."
What council members are saying
Despite the controversies, Houston council members congratulated McFoy on his new role and shared their excitement about what he will bring to the city’s infrastructure and water supply.
"Infrastructure projects are a priority in my administration and I am proud to have a strong team at Houston Public Works,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in the Jan. 29 news release. "With the combination of Randy Macchi's leadership and O.J.'s experience as a respected engineer, we are moving forward on critical transformational projects to enhance the quality of life for all Houstonians.”
