Macon Water Authority Board Unanimously Names Michel Wanna Executive Director & President

Longtime MWA leader brings 23 years of experience to permanent leadership role

MACON, Ga. — September 4, 2026 — The Macon Water Authority (MWA) Board voted unanimously on Thursday to appoint Michel Wanna as Executive Director & President of the Macon Water Authority.

Wanna has served as Interim Executive Director & President since February 2026, following the passing of Executive Director & President Ron Shipman. During that time, Wanna has provided continuity in leadership while helping guide the Authority through the transition and continuing the organization’s commitment to serving the Macon-Bibb County community.

Wanna brings 23 years of experience with the Macon Water Authority to the position. Prior to being named Interim Executive Director & President, he served as Assistant Executive Director and Vice President of Field and Plant Operations.

Throughout his career at MWA, Wanna has held multiple leadership roles with responsibilities spanning engineering, water and sewer operations, stormwater, maintenance, environmental compliance, treatment plants, facilities, fleet maintenance, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Authority’s Capacity, Management, Operations and Maintenance (CMOM) program.

He also has extensive experience directing and managing major infrastructure and capital improvement projects involving water, wastewater and public works systems, as well as working with regulatory agencies and local governments to strengthen system reliability and service delivery.

As Executive Director & President, Wanna will serve as the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer and oversee the administration and day-to-day operations of MWA as the organization continues investing in infrastructure, maintaining reliable utility services and preparing its water, wastewater and stormwater systems for the future.

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence in me, and I am especially grateful for the employees whose dedication has helped make MWA the organization it is today,” said Wanna. “As President and Executive Director, my commitment is to our customers and to the long-term strength of this utility.
We have important work ahead of us, and I want to make the investments and decisions necessary so that the next generation inherits an MWA system that is stronger, more reliable and better positioned for the future.”

Wanna assumes the permanent position as MWA moves forward with a significant program of infrastructure investment. The Authority recently approved its FY2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, which includes projects designed to replace aging infrastructure, strengthen system reliability, meet regulatory requirements and prepare Macon-Bibb County for future growth.

His appointment continues a 23-year career of service to the Macon Water Authority and the customers and communities it serves.

About the Macon Water Authority

The Macon Water Authority provides water, sewer and stormwater services to customers throughout Macon-Bibb County, supporting public health, environmental stewardship and economic development.

Media Contact
Rachad Hollis
Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
478-464-5600
rhollis@maconwater.org