During a Called Board Meeting today (Thursday, Nov. 17), the Macon Water Authority (MWA) Board of Directors voted to hire Ron Shipman as Interim Executive Director & President. The selection follows a required 14-day period for the Board to collect public comment and feedback after announcing its intention to offer the position to Shipman, who becomes the first African American Executive Director in MWA history.
The Board proposed hiring an Interim Executive Director & President during a special Called Meeting on Oct. 27, after officially accepting the resignation of former Executive Director & President Joey Leverette. The MWA officially announced on Nov. 2, 2022, via news release and website post, its consideration of Shipman for the position.
In accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act, the MWA provided Shipman’s background information on its website for the public to review for 14 calendar days – beginning on Nov. 2, and continuing through today’s (Thursday, Nov. 17) Called Meeting. This 14-day period allowed Board Members and the public an opportunity to review Mr. Shipman’s professional credentials and qualifications for the position of MWA Executive Director & President. During today’s (Thursday, Nov. 17) Called Meeting, the MWA Board was able to discuss and consider any feedback obtained during the 14-day period.
Shipman has most recently served as the Interim President & CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, Shipman spent 36 years with Georgia Power Company, working his way up from a Nuclear Chemistry Technician & Environmental Specialist at the Edwin I. Hatch Plant in Baxley to Vice President of the Southwest (Central) Region, based in Macon, until his retirement in 2020.
Shipman describes himself as a constituent-oriented, experienced leader who excels in providing superior customer service. He also notes that he is a relationship builder who can develop strong, long-lasting relationships throughout organizations, companies, and communities. In addition, he professes to be a perceptive business leader who possesses refined analytical abilities that are well-balanced with excellent communication skills.
Finally, Shipman says he prides himself on being an experienced director who can develop and implement tactical, strategic plans while successfully leading diverse workgroups.
Shipman holds a BS in Biology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, as well as an MBA in General Business from Shorter College.
A complete resume’ of Shipman’s professional credentials, qualifications, work experience, and statement of purpose, can be found via the “Learn More” link below.
Media contact:
Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu