Greer CPW Natural Gas Manager honored with industry service award

Greer CPW’s Natural Gas Manager, Rob Rhodes, was recently awarded the inaugural Chairman Award  at the Carolinas Public Gas Association (CPGA) Annual Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina. The award  recognizes individuals for their outstanding commitment to the industry. Rob has worked in the Greer CPW  natural gas department since 1978 and plans to retire in January 2026.  

“Working in utilities gives you a unique sense of immediate gratification—you go home each day knowing  you’ve helped improve someone’s quality of life, and that’s incredibly rewarding. I truly enjoy coming to work  each day and I’m grateful for Greer CPW and CPGA investing in me,” says Rob Rhodes, Greer CPW Natural  Gas Manager. 

The recognition is given to a CPGA member who has made a significant impact on the gas industry, has  completed at least 15 years of service and is retiring or moving to a different territory. Rob was instrumental in  helping form CPGA more than 10 years ago with a focus on bringing not-for-profit, publicly owned natural gas  utilities in the Carolinas and Virigina together for collaboration, trainings, and promoting natural gas. Rob  served on the first CPGA board and is the last original board member still active in the industry.  

“I was certainly surprised but appreciative of the recognition. Standing on stage looking at the next generation  of gas workers gave me an immense sense of pride,” said Rhodes. 

“This well-deserved recognition highlights Rob’s exceptional leadership, expertise, and dedication to  advancing the natural gas industry. During his 47 years in the natural gas industry, his contributions to Greer  CPW and the broader community are immeasurable. We are fortunate to have a leader of his caliber within  our field as his work has set a high standard of excellence for all of us,” said Darwin De Los Santos, CPGA Chair. 

Rob previously served as CPGA’s Board Chair and is an advocate for pipeline and worker safety. Rob is also  quick to remind others about the benefits of natural gas, calling 811 before you dig, and is currently overseeing  Greer CPW’s natural gas meter upgrade project. Greer CPW Chairman, Gene Gibson, who’s served nearly as  long as Rob, reflected on his remarkable career that includes growing the system, building a new transmission  line, and ensuring regulatory compliance.  

“Rob’s vision and commitment to natural gas operations over the last four decades is truly commendable. His  ability to manage a department, oversee growth, and carry the responsibility of community and employee 

safety is something we’re grateful CPGA took the time to recognize. His contributions will leave a lasting  impression at Greer CPW, and we are thankful for his service,” said Gene Gibson, Greer CPW Chairman.  

Rob is one of four gas managers at Greer CPW since natural gas operations began in the 1950s and credits his  dad, also a Greer CPW natural gas manager, with encouraging him to get into the field. Since then, the system  has grown significantly and is now the largest municipal gas system in both North and South Carolina, serving  more than 32,680 customers.  

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of great networking opportunities like the CPGA and I’m thankful for all the  experiences this career gave me,” said Rhodes.  

As for what’s next, Rob says he looks forward to retirement and spending time with family.

About CPW

Greer Commission of Public Works has provided award winning electric, natural gas, water, and  wastewater treatment services to the City of Greer and the surrounding area for more than 100 years.  Currently we have more than 98,000 customer connections and maintain Lake Robinson and Lake  Cunnigham as drinking water resources. For more information, visit www.greercpw.com