GUC general manager / CEO receives leadership award

by | Jun 12, 2025

Greenville Utilities Commission General Manager and CEO, Anthony “Tony” Cannon, has received a leadership award during the American Public Power Association’s National Conference.

Cannon received the award earlier this week during the conference, which was held in New Orleans. Below is more information from a press release from Tobias Sellier of the American Public Power Association.

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Photo credit: Tony pictured with John Haarlow (left), CEO/general manager of Snohomish County PUD in Washington and chair-elect of the American Public Power Association’s Board of Directors and Nick Lawler (right), general manager of Littleton Electric Light & Water Departments in Massachusetts and chair of the American Public Power Association’s Board of Directors. (Tobias Sellier, American Public Power Association photo)

By Tobias Sellier of the American Public Power Association

NEW ORLEANS — Anthony “Tony” Cannon, General Manager and CEO of Greenville Utilities Commission, received the Alex Radin Distinguished Service Award during the American Public Power Association’s National Conference. The award is the highest award granted by APPA. It recognizes exceptional leadership and dedication to public power.

APPA Board Chair and General Manager of Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments (Massachusetts) Nicholas Lawler said, “Tony’s unwavering commitment to public power has strengthened both his community and the nation. Through his dedication and expertise, he has propelled the mission of not-for-profit electric utilities forward, offering leadership that truly merits this prestigious honor. As the highest recognition in public power, this award reflects Tony’s exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the industry.”

Since 2012, he has served as the General Manager and CEO of the Greenville Utilities Commission in Greenville, North Carolina, after serving as Assistant GM/COO since 2006. Before GUC, he worked with the Greer Commission of Public Works in South Carolina.

Tony is currently in his second term on the Board of Directors for ElectriCities of North Carolina, where he has helped shape the vision and strategic plan for public power across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. His collaborative efforts between North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency members and ElectriCities have led to a significant reduction in average wholesale rates, not seen since the 1970s.

Tony has been active for years at the national level as well, having served as Chair of the APPA Board of Directors and remains active in various committees. GUC has received numerous awards and recognitions under Tony’s leadership. His extensive experience and mentorship have benefited many utility professionals in the industry.

“I’ve been very honored to be a part of GUC’s Board and to have worked closely with Tony and his whole staff, especially this last year as the Board Chair,” said GUC Board of Commissioners Chair Lindsey Griffin. “We know how much he has done here on the local and state level. It’s nice to see him recognized nationally for that and the work he has done on the national level as well.”

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