Tony Carnell Begins Tenure as General Manager
Tony V. Carnell officially took the reins of the HCWA as General Manager on Jan. 1, becoming the first African American chief executive in the Authority’s 60-year history.
Mr. Carnell follows Lindy Farmer as HCWA General Manager, following Mr. Farmer’s retirement at the end of last year, after leading the Authority for 40 years. Mr. Carnell served previously as Mr. Farmer’s Deputy Manager from 2014 until being promoted to General Manager.
Mr. Carnell was hired by the HCWA as an Engineering Technician in 1995. Over the course of the next two decades, he would advance through the ranks of the HCWA Engineering Department until becoming Division Manager of Engineering in 2006, a position he held until his promotion to Deputy Manager eight years later.
Mr. Carnell holds his Professional Engineer (PE) Certification in Georgia, which he attained in 2006. He’s a graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree, after receiving his Associate Degree from Clayton State University. Prior to joining the HCWA, Mr. Carnell first worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation after graduation from college. 
When asked about the historical significance of his promotion, Mr. Carnell deflected the attention and noted how many people have encouraged and supported him in his career path, from family and friends to fellow HCWA employees and water professionals.
“I understand the historical significance of it (becoming HCWA General Manager), but it’s probably a bigger deal for my family and friends from the neighborhood, who have told me how proud they are of me,” says Carnell. “I’m humbled and honored, but I owe a great deal to them and so many others who helped me along the way.”
Caption for photo:
HCWA General Manager Tony V. Carnell (far right) speaks to Junior Commissioners about careers in the water profession during their tour of the Tussahaw Water Plant last year.
Media contact:
Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu