Macon Water Authority announces leadership transition following Shipman’s death

Michel Wanna, a 22-year veteran of the authority, will serve as interim executive director effective February 9.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Macon Water Authority has appointed an interim executive director following the death of longtime leader Ron Shipman.

Authority Chairman Gary Bechtel announced Monday that Michel Wanna will serve as interim executive director, effective February 9.

According to MWA, Wanna has worked at the Macon Water Authority for more than 22 years and most recently served as assistant executive director and vice president of field and plant operations. During his tenure, he has overseen engineering, water and sewer operations, stormwater, maintenance, environmental compliance, treatment plants, facilities, fleet maintenance, GIS and the authority’s capacity, management, operations and maintenance program.

Bechtel said Shipman had established a succession plan during his leadership.

“Mr. Shipman, in his position, had established succession planning—never anticipating the need, but as a professional manager he knew to be prepared,”Bechtel said in a statement. “The Macon Water Authority is prepared, and Assistant Executive Director Mr. Wanna is prepared to occupy the Interim Executive Director position.”

According to MWA, Wanna has led large-scale infrastructure and capital improvement projects related to water, wastewater and public works systems and has worked closely with regulatory agencies and local governments.

MWA says the appointment is intended to ensure continuity of leadership and operations as it continues providing water, wastewater and stormwater services across Macon-Bibb County.

Also Monday, MWA provided an obituary for Shipman that said private services will be held for Shipman this week:

Obituary for Ron Shipman

Ronald “Ron” Shipman, age 65, passed away on February 6, 2026. He was born on February 22,
1960, in Vidalia, Georgia, where he was also raised. He was the beloved son of Homer and Adele
Shipman.

Ron lived a life marked by curiosity, passion, and love for others. He had a deep appreciation for
aviation and biology and was someone who truly enjoyed learning and exploring the world
around him. He loved his community, valued meaningful connections, and embraced life with
enthusiasm. His faith and willingness to be used wherever God led him reflected the heart he had
for service and purpose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Adele Shipman; his son, Ronald Shipman,
Jr. and his sister, Kay Rease Smith. Ron was a devoted husband and family man. He leaves to
cherish his memory his loving wife, Anita; his son, Ryland of Valdosta, GA; and his brother,
Victor (Sachiko) Shipman of Japan. He is also survived by five sisters: Judy Copeland (Grady) of
Atlanta, Shirley Rease Thomas of Vidalia, Cheryl Rease of Atlanta, Beverly Rease of Atlanta, and
Melinda Williams of Kentucky. He also leaves his beloved aunt, Ms. Geraldine Bell of Vidalia,
Georgia.

He further leaves behind his loving in-laws, Charlotte and Willie Rolland of Watkinsville,
Georgia; brother-in-law, Michael Rolland of Atlanta, Georgia; and sister-in-law Latasha Fikes
(Demetrius) of Loganville, Georgia. Ron adored his nieces Nanami, Azaryah (“his bestie”),
Kennedy, Maya, and Londyn, as well as his nephews Caleb, Jayvion, and Aaden. He is further
remembered by a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Ron will be remembered for his love of life, his warmth toward others, and the joy he brought to
those around him. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the family he loved so
dearly.

Per family request, private ceremony will be held at Beggs Funeral Home on Wednesday,
February 11, 2026, with Visitation at 10 a.m. and Service at 11 a.m. A link for live streaming will
be available at www.beggsfuneralhome.com. You may also visit www.beggsfuneralhome.com to
sign the family’s personal guestbook and cards of condolence may be sent to Mrs. Anita Shipman,
P. O. Box 540, Thomson, GA 30824.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the NAP Foundation Fund.