With 2006 certain to be an eventful year in the history of the Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority (HCWSA), highlighted by the expected opening this summer of the new Tussahaw Reservoir and Water Production Plant, board members enthusiastically started the new year with the election of officers at the authority’s January meeting.
The HCWSA Board of Directors is a five-member group, appointed by the Henry County Board of Commissioners, who determines policies for one of the largest water utilities in the state of Georgia, boasting nearly 50,000 customers in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.
Ken Phillips has been elected by his peers on the board to serve a third consecutive year as HCWSA chairman. Phillips is joined by Al Smith as vice chairman, serving his second term in this capacity, and Jimmy Carter as secretary, a first for him since he and fellow newcomer Linda Angus, from Henry County’s District 4, joined the authority last year. Darrell Walker, representing District 5, rounds out the HCWSA 2006 board membership, which remains intact for the second straight year.
“I’m excited about what this year has in store for the authority, and I’m looking forward to serving another term with my fellow board members,” said Phillips, who has represented District 2 on the HCWSA board for 14 years. “We have a group that I think works well together, which is critically important as we face the tremendous challenges and decisions that lie ahead for us.”
Phillips enjoyed a 29-year career as a material planner with Delta Air Lines, where he managed the purchasing and provisions for Delta’s L-1011, and gathered valuable work experience that he applies to the HCWSA today. After moving to Henry County in 1985, Phillips joined the HCWSA board in 1992 and followed long-time authority member Howell Gardner as chairman.
“Mr. Gardner had some very big shoes to fill, but I have tried to lead by his example of working with fellow board members to do what’s best for the authority and the community,” added Phillips. “We have such a strong group of managers and employees that it makes our job as board members a lot easier, as we have the utmost respect and confidence in this staff’s abilities.”
HCWSA Vice Chairman Al Smith begins his third year on the HCWSA board, after being appointed to serve the citizens of District 1. Smith has extensive expertise in the water industry and related fields, as a result of his decorated career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he retired in 1990 after nearly 25 years of service. His last post at EPA was as the deputy director of Region IV's Water Management Division, where he assisted in the overall enforcement of the Clean Water Act. He currently works as an independent environmental regulatory consultant, advising clients on environmental, technical and regulatory issues.
"Serving on this water authority is an honor, and I'm very excited, almost childlike about it," said Smith at the time of his appointment, with an attitude he has maintained throughout his tenure.
Jimmy Carter brings an historical perspective and public service experience to his new position as HCWSA Secretary. A native of Henry County and sixth generation resident of the community, Carter spent 18 years as an elected member of the Henry County Board of Education, even serving as its chairman for part of that time. Representing District 3 in Henry County, Carter has been involved in the agricultural industry in Henry County since the days his grandparents owned and operated their family farm in McDonough. Currently, he serves as an independent sales representative for ABS Global, Inc. and Four Seasons Marketing Group. He is also a former executive director of the Georgia Milk Producers, Inc.
Darrell Walker and Linda Angus will continue to serve the HCWSA for another term, rounding out the five-member board. Walker, who joined the board in 2002, is retired from a career at Norfolk Southern, where he was active in the Southern and Southwestern Railway Association and the Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association. He is also a U.S. Air Force veteran. Angus, who is the former county manager for Henry County Government, joined the board in 2005. She is currently the director of Forensic for KPMG, LLP Forensic, where she assists clients with fraud risk assessments, corruption investigations, as well as other related professional consulting services.
Source: HCWSA
