Promoting sound public policy in water resources and related environmental fields.

The Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority’s (RCWSA) General Manager Brendan Thompson belongs to several professional organizations at the state and national levels, including the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP). GAWP’s mission is to educate members, support professional development, and promote sound public policy in water resources and related environmental fields. The organization includes more than 4,000 individual members, over 300 utility and corporate members, and 31 committees. Each committee focuses on a specific area of the water service industry, including finance, asset management, collection and distribution systems, laboratories, treatment, education, public safety, and other key areas.

Mr. Thompson is a current and founding member of the Utility Finance and Asset Management Committee. The purpose of this committee is to provide a forum for management and finance related topics including user charges, fees, and rates, financial planning, project management, capital planning, asset management, and similar issues. Mr. Thompson is a recognized leader in this field, having accumulated a wealth of experience in funding and financial planning for projects, obtaining grants, developing master plans, financial models and rate structures both for the RCWSA and for clients across the Southeast in his previous professional consulting roles. He has also authored articles for professional journals regarding utility finance, including “Searching for Money in All the Right Places,” published in the 2007 issues of Concepts magazine.

Participation in GAWP and other professional organizations helps ensure the RCWSA stays current on the latest technology, information, and industry trends so it can provide the best possible service to the Rabun County community. It also strengthens the RCWSA’s professional reputation among its peers throughout the state and furthers their commitment to being good stewards of our water and wastewater systems by continually investing in and working on upgrades and improvements, ensuring our system will continue to serve our Rabun County Community for generations to come. For more information on the GAWP, visit their website at Georgia Association of Water Professionals.