HCWA General Manager recognized nationally for efforts to support diversity

American Water Works Association Honors Tony Carnell with Diversity & Inclusion Award

(McDonough, GA – March 10, 2025) During a time when some organizations are rolling back their diversity programs, the General Manager of the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) is being recognized nationally for his efforts to support the importance of diversity in the workplace.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has awarded Tony V. Carnell, P.E., HCWA General Manager, with its 2025 Individual Diversity & Inclusion Award. Established in 2003, this national award recognizes an individual who has created, promoted, and maintained diversity and inclusion in the workplace, by establishing an environment that recognizes, encourages, and effectively utilizes everyone’s talents.

According to the resolution approved by the AWWA Executive Committee, “Tony Carnell exemplifies a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through impactful initiatives, educational programs, and community outreach. He fosters an environment where all voices are heard and valued. His leadership inspires positive change and enhances our profession.”

Carnell will receive the Individual Diversity & Inclusion Award during the AWWA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo in Denver, Colorado this June.

“It’s an honor to be recognized nationally and among my peers within the water industry with this AWWA Individual Diversity & Inclusion Award,” says Carnell, following the announcement on Feb. 12. “Diversity and Inclusion at Henry County Water includes the obvious intent of providing all with equal opportunities to work and prosper within in the water industry, but hopefully it reflects the culture of our utility as well, which uses all means possible to find the best water professionals to serve our industry and community.”

HCWA General Manager receives industry Diversity & Inclusion Award

Some of the initiatives the HCWA has implemented to promote an inclusive and diverse workforce include an Authority Resolution passed in 2023 to “Renew its Supplier Inclusion Program.” This resolution reinforced previous programs to not only encourage but recruit locally owned, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned vendors and suppliers of goods and services to do business with the utility.

In addition, under Carnell’s direction, the HCWA founded a Leadership Academy to select mid-career water professionals for additional professional development opportunities. The purpose of the HCWA Leadership Academy is to cultivate a pipeline of future leaders at the Authority and within the community, while enhancing communication and cross-training among the utility’s departments.

Finally, the Authority’s Internship Program, coupled with work-based learning and career fair recruitment at local high schools, targets young people from all backgrounds who are eager for career opportunities within the water profession. The HCWA Internship Program provides real-world experience for high school and college students through partnerships with Henry County Schools and Southern Crescent Technical College, respectively.

Carnell has 30 years of experience in the water industry at the HCWA. He took the reins of the HCWA as General Manager on Jan. 1, 2022, becoming the first African American chief executive in the Authority’s 60-year history. Prior to becoming HCWA General Manager in 2022, Carnell served as Deputy Manager of the Authority, after working as the Division Manager of Engineering. He started at the HCWA as an Engineering Technician in 1995.

Carnell, who is a Henry County native and product of Henry County Schools, is a Certified Professional Engineer (PE) in Georgia, as well as a graduate of Clayton State University and Southern Polytechnic State University.

Media Contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.

P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu


HCWA General Manager Tony Carnell will receive the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Individual Diversity & Inclusion Award this summer at the Annual Conference & Expo in Denver, Colorado.


HCWA General Manager Tony Carnell (center) is pictured with his family last summer at the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Annual Conference, where he won the GAWP Hugh A. Wyckoff Award and Georgia Section of AWWA Champion of Diversity Award.


HCWA General Manager Tony Carnell, winner of the AWWA Individual Diversity & Inclusion Award, is pictured at last year’s Cubihatcha Kids Fishing Day, where he handed out prizes to the winners.