Greer CPW Natural Gas Manager Honored with Industry Service Award
GREER: 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 Virginia 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.