When history looks back on the epic struggles of the Katrina crisis and begins to separate out the true leaders, the people of fortitude who struggled against the dark days that enveloped New Orleans, individuals like Marcia St. Martin will emerge. The low-key, serious-minded executive director of the Sewerage & Water Board may not be a household name in New Orleans, but her leadership was critical in making it possible for many households to return.

With her own home destroyed along with much of the city her family has inhabited for generations, Ms. St. Martin stood fast in command of the hundreds of employees and massive system in which she takes such pride. When a national radio reporter asked her if she thought the water was winning, she replied: "No. I know the system that I’m responsible for. I never had those thoughts."

Where others might have waited for orders, panicked or passed the buck, Ms. St. Martin seized the initiative. Without pause, she began restoration of critical infrastructure. She trucked water over from the West Bank to provide rescue workers with clean water. She identified funds and quickly reassembled Sewerage & Water Board staff to repair treatment plants and the pumps needed to drain the city. She made special efforts to ensure housing for employees and moved quickly to keep the Sewerage & Water Board afloat financially and operationally.

It was a daunting task, and one of which Ms. St. Martin and the Sewerage & Water Board can be very proud.