Harnett County is pleased to announce the selection of Tommy Burns as the new Director of Harnett Regional Water, effective February 17, 2025. With over 22 years of dedicated service in local government, Burns brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to excellence in public service.

Prior to this appointment, for the past eight and a half years, Burns served as County Manager for Carteret County where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the county, managing over 700 employees. His previous County Government experience included serving two years as County Manager in Harnett County and two years as Assistant County Manager for Wayne County. Additionally, Burns served as Town Manager for Coats, Lillington, and Spring Lake and as a Water and Sewer Technician for the Town of Erwin in his early career. These diverse leadership positions have equipped Burns with a deep understanding of local government operations and a proven ability to deliver results.

“I am excited to return to Harnett County and am sincerely grateful to Mr. Trout for this opportunity. I am very humbled and thankful to serve Harnett Regional Water’s customers and employees in its effort to provide safe, affordable and environmentally friendly water and sewer resources to our growing communities,” said Burns.

As Director of Harnett Regional Water, Burns will oversee all aspects of the department’s operations, including managing staff, maintaining water and environmental resources, ensuring exceptional customer service, overseeing utility operations, and leading long-range planning efforts.

“We are excited to welcome Tommy Burns back to Harnett County,” said County Manager, Brent Trout. “With an extensive background in county government and strong expertise in utilities and water management, he is the ideal leader to guide and advance our efforts at Harnett Regional Water. Tommy is exceptionally well-prepared to thrive in this new role.”

Burns holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Master of Trust and Investment Management from Campbell University, and Bachelor of Arts in History from Cambell University. He is currently attending Liberty University to obtain his Doctor of Philosophy in History.

About Harnett Regional Water

Harnett Regional Water provides service to approximately 125,000 people in Harnett County and surrounding Cape Fear region. The mission of Harnett Regional Water is to provide the highest quality of water and wastewater services to the citizens of Harnett County and surrounding region at the most economical cost while promoting conservation and protecting the environment.

To learn more about Harnett Regional Water, visit https://www.harnettwater.org/