Our organization is governed by an elected, five-member Board of Commissioners. Laurens Commission of Public Works must get consent from the Laurens City Council before the issuance of any bond indebtedness; however, Laurens CPW operates independently otherwise. The Board of Commissioners has the responsibilities of setting policies of the organization, approving budgets, rate setting, and general operations oversight. The General Manager is responsible for Day-to-day operations and management. The General Manager serves as Laurens CPW's chief executive, and reports directly to the Board of Commissioners.
Our LCPW Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms and are elected by the people of Laurens. The Commissioners have backgrounds in a variety of industries and are committed to actively working in our community with a dedication to public service.
Gerald was first elected to the CPW board of directors in 2009. He was a service technician in the textile industry. Gerald is a lifelong resident of Laurens County. He is an active member of the Second Baptist Church in Laurens. Gerald is a 1962 graduate of Ford High School and holds a certificate in Welding from Greenville Technical College.
Ira was appointed commissioner in 2025. He is the Managing Principal of Bedenbaugh Healthcare Advisors, a consulting group that provides compensation, financial, and compliance services to physician practices and hospitals. Ira, a lifelong resident of Laurens, is a two-time graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management and a Master of Business Administration. Ira and his wife Carol are active members of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church.
Ulysses was first elected to the CPW board of directors in 1992. He retired in the production control and quality control departments with the General Electric Corporation. He is currently in automotive sales. Ulysses has lived in Laurens County his whole life. He is an active member of Good Hope Baptist Church. Ulysses has a Bachelor of Science from South Carolina State University.
Jeff Thompson was elected as a commissioner in 2017. He has in lived in Laurens County for the past 46 years. Jeff is a graduate Presbyterian College and a graduate of the South Carolina Bankers School. He has been in banking his entire adult life. Jeff is a Rotarian and active member of the First Baptist Church of Laurens.
