Deputy General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
The Deputy General Manager/Chief Operating Officer carries out Prince William Water’s strategic plans and initiatives and ensures agile, optimized and sustainable operations.
Don Pannell
Deputy General Manager/
Chief Operating Officer
Don Pannell has served as the Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Prince William Water since July 2019. In this role, he leads core operational functions, overseeing the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient water and wastewater services to the community.
Mr. Pannell began his tenure with Prince William Water in 2005, previously serving as Director of Operations & Maintenance. His career spans both public and private sectors, including roles as a consulting engineer and as a regulator with the Virginia Department of Health. This diverse experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, and operational excellence.
Don is passionate about building proactive, high-performing teams that exhibit a strong sense of ownership and purpose. He is known for his calm, strategic leadership and his ability to foster collaboration across departments to drive continuous improvement.
Key Accomplishments:
- Led modernization efforts that enhanced system reliability and reduced operational disruptions.
- Championed a culture of accountability and innovation through staff development and cross-functional engagement.
- Played a key role in aligning capital improvement planning with long-term service goals and community needs.
Areas of Strength:
- Strategic operations and infrastructure management
- Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation
- Team leadership and organizational development
- Stakeholder engagement and interagency coordination
Mr. Pannell holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Old Dominion University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and a graduate of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Water and Wastewater Leadership Program.