Macon Water Authority president, executive director died. What we know
.jpg "A picture of Ron Shipman, the president and executive director of the Macon Water Authority. He died on Feb. 6, officials announced.")
Ron Shipman, the president and executive director of the Macon Water Authority, died Friday evening, the authority announced.
He was appointed the interim president and executive director in 2022 before the role became official. Shipman “provided steady leadership and a deep commitment to public service,” the MWA said in its news release Friday.
“During his tenure, he worked closely with the Authority’s Board of Directors, employees and community partners to advance critical water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure projects that support the health, safety and economic vitality of Macon-Bibb County,” the news release said.
Shipman worked for Georgia Power for more than three decades, holding “multiple leadership roles prior to his retirement,” the news release said.
After, Shipman joined the MWA, bringing “that extensive experience and a collaborative leadership style to the authority, earning respect from colleagues across the organization and throughout the community,” the authority said.
‘A dear friend’
Gary Bechtel, the MWA’s chairman, called Shipman a dear friend who was committed to the authority’s success.
“Macon-Bibb mourns his passing,” Betchel said in the news release. “On behalf of the members of the Macon Water Authority, we ask for thoughts and prayers for Ron’s wife, Anita, and his entire family.”
Mayor Lester Miller, in a Facebook post, called Shipman a “real consensus builder and problem solver, which is why I selected him as a member of my transition team and recommended him for the position at the MWA.”
“This unexpected loss has undoubtedly left a void in my heart,” the mayor said in the post. “I am praying for his family immensely! I love you, brother.”
Memorial arrangements coming soon
The MWA said that “information regarding memorial arrangements or organizational updates will be shared as appropriate,” according to its news release.
