NCRWA's History
On July 16, 1976, the North Carolina Rural Water Association, Inc® (NCRWA) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the authority of the NC Secretary of State. NCRWA’s humble, yet service-focused, existence was much the vision of the initial Board of Directors, which included:
Organized from the very beginning to serve as “the voice” of the water and wastewater systems across the state, NCRWA quickly took its place as a leading advocate for the members in the state and soon afterward assisted in the organization of the National Rural Water Association (www.nrwa.org) to provide a consolidated voice for systems in the nation’s capital.
In 1977, NCRWA began providing on-site technical assistance and training for systems and operators across the state. Later adding Source Water and Well Head Protection Planning to its services, NCRWA quickly became recognized as a leading resource in all of these areas. Today, NCRWA continues these efforts by providing services ranging from Board Training to Rate Studies, Leak Detection Assistance, and Certification Schools, ensuring that our members can meet the ever-increasing demands placed on them. Although the list is too long to include every service, NCRWA has developed a reputation for assisting with nearly any need a system may have.
NCRWA has a reputation for great leadership among its ranks. NCRWA Presidents and Executive Directors, dating back to the beginning, have included:
- Jasper (Jap) Younts of Davidson Water, Inc.
- Boyce Sink of Davidson Water, Inc.
- N.W McGee of the Town of Conover
- William D. Hicks of Dan River Water
- J.A. Mize of Iredell Water, Inc.
- W.P. Wootten of West Iredell Water, Inc.
- Lynn Norton of Alexander County Water, Inc.
Organized from the very beginning to serve as “the voice” of the water and wastewater systems across the state, NCRWA quickly took its place as a leading advocate for the members in the state and soon afterward assisted in the organization of the National Rural Water Association (www.nrwa.org) to provide a consolidated voice for systems in the nation’s capital.
In 1977, NCRWA began providing on-site technical assistance and training for systems and operators across the state. Later adding Source Water and Well Head Protection Planning to its services, NCRWA quickly became recognized as a leading resource in all of these areas. Today, NCRWA continues these efforts by providing services ranging from Board Training to Rate Studies, Leak Detection Assistance, and Certification Schools, ensuring that our members can meet the ever-increasing demands placed on them. Although the list is too long to include every service, NCRWA has developed a reputation for assisting with nearly any need a system may have.
NCRWA has a reputation for great leadership among its ranks. NCRWA Presidents and Executive Directors, dating back to the beginning, have included:
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Presidents
July 22, 1976 - 1985: J.A. Younts of Davidson Water, Inc 1985 – 1987: Rodney Tart, Harnett County Public Utilities 1987 – 1989: Mike Richardson, Montgomery County Water 1989 – 1991: Rodney Tart, Harnett County Public Utilities 1991 – 1993: Pete Post, Town of Montreat 1993 - 1995: Marty Wilson, the City of Graham 1995 – 1997: Henry Waldroup of the City of Concord 1997 - 1999: Ron McGrady, Mulberry-Fairplains Water 1999 – 2001: Wayne Jenkins, Northampton County Water 2001 – 2003: Mervis Joyner, Bell Arthur Water Corporation 2003 – 2005: Eddie Coltrain, Wayne Water Districts 2005 – 2007: Earl Newman, the Town of Laurel Park 2007 – 2009: Gregg Stabler, Davidson Water, Inc 2009 – 2011: David Wortman, Icard Water Corporation 2011 – 2013: Macon Robertson, Warren County Public Utilities 2013 – 2015: Neil Carpenter, Maggie Valley Sanitary District 2015 – 2017: Barry Sutton, Eastern Pines Water Corporation 2017 - 2019: Keith Hoilman, Town of Newland 2019 - 2021: Todd Taylor, Orange Water and Sewer Authority 2021 - 2023: Lisa Smith-Perri, West Carteret Water Corporation 2023 - 2025: Wilmer Melton, City of Kannapolis 2025 - present: Maria Hunnicutt, Broad River Water Authority |
Executive Directors
1977 – 1981: Paul Gosnell (Mr. Gosnell was titled Program Manager, as the titles of Administrator and Executive Director were not added till later for the position) 1981 – 1994: Roger Swann 1994 - 1997: Sammy Boyette 1997 – 1998: Robert (Bob) Schley 1998 – 2002 Sammy Boyette 2002 – 2004: Jim Higdon 2004 – 2007: Dean Gaster 2007 – 2021: Daniel Wilson, PE 2021 - 2023: Brian Grogan 2024 - Present: Heather Somers |
