Executive Leadership

Curtis M. Dillard, P.E.

General Manager

Dillard has served as General Manager at Woodruff-Roebuck Water District since 1991 and led construction of the system’s new water treatment plant. Dillard has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University and is certified by the state of South Carolina as a Water Treatment Operator – Level A and Water Distribution Operator – Level A. In 2001, the S.C. Rural Water Association named him Manager of the Year. Before joining WRWD, Dillard served as Engineer and Assistant General Manager at Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District from 1986 to 1991.

Commissioners

Cecil L. Bearden

(864) 476-2056

Bearden was elected to the Commission in 1976, representing Area C. A graduate of Woodruff High School and Spartanburg Technical College, Bearden retired from Verizon Telephone Co. in 1995 after 30 years of service. He loves playing the harmonica, frequently performing for churches, nursing homes and at other community functions. He has three children and 10 grandchildren.

Niles Ray Brown, Jr.

(864) 978-8649

Elected to the Commission in 2002, Brown represents Area D. A graduate of Woodruff High School, Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing and Economics from the University of South Carolina – Spartanburg. He has been self-employed since 1986, managing six different companies. Brown is married to the former Tracy Stewart and is the father of four children. He has served on his church advisory board and the board for the Woodruff Community Center.

Gary P. Kirkland

(864) 582-6701

Elected to the Commission in 1984 to represent Area A, Kirkland has served the Woodruff-Roebuck Water District for 23 consecutive years. As owner of Kirkland Plumbing in Spartanburg, he knows first-hand about water lines, plumbing and the mechanics of water supply. Gary and his wife, Joyce, live in Roebuck. They have two children and two grandchildren. Kirkland is active in his church, as well as civic and community organizations. Kirkland has been a member of the Spartanburg Lions Club for many years, and he enjoys playing golf.

Curtis Walker

(864) 476-7368

Elected to the Commission in 1998 and representing Area C, Walker retired as CEO of B.J. Workman Hospital in Woodruff in 1998. A Registered Nurse and Certified Addiction Counselor, Walker attended North Greenville University, Furman University and the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He graduated from USC Upstate and has a master’s degree from Clemson University. Walker is married to the former Nancy Harrison and has three children and three grandchildren.

Donald C. West

(864) 585-9344

Elected to the Commission in 1970, West represents Area A. A graduate of West Springs High School, West started Mahan Oven & Engineering with Tom Mahan in 1964. In 1993, the company was sold to West’s three sons, and West retired, though he continued to work there. West is a member of Roebuck Baptist Church, the Spartanburg Lions Club (past President of the Spartanburg club and past District Governor of District 32A), as well as Past President of the Roebuck Improvement Association. He is also a former Commissioner of the year for S.C. Rural Water Association. West is married to the former Helen O’Shields and has three sons and five grandchildren.