Executive Leadership

Kermit E. Johnson, General Manager

Board of Commissioners

Gary P. Kirkland (Chairman) (864) 582-6701

Elected to the Commission in 1984 to represent Area B, 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.

Niles Ray Brown, Jr. (Vice-Chairman)  (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.

Curtis Walker (Secretary)  (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.

Mark West  (Commissioner) (864) 590-7576

Appointed to the Commission in 2018 and representing Area A.  Mark is part-owner of Mahan Oven & Engineering Co., Inc. in Spartanburg.   He graduated from Dorman High School and Clemson University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He is active in his church and held many roles within the church.  He has been a member of the Spartanburg Lions Club since 1991.  Mark and his wife, Karen, live in Roebuck and have two children and three grandchildren.

Horace Jones  (Commissioner)  (864) 978-9315

Appointed to the Commission in 2021, Jones represents Area C. A graduate of Ford High School, Jones retired from the City of Clinton with 50 + years of experience as a Power Lineman. He served with the United States Army, and spent 20 years serving in the South Carolina National Guard. He has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He currently serves as chairman of the board for the Shrine Club.