Tad Bohannon is the Chief Executive Officer of Central Arkansas Water (CAW) – the largest water services provider in the State of Arkansas, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 18 cities and communities in 7 counties – protecting public health and supporting economic growth in central Arkansas, as well as exploring viable solutions to complex water equity issues throughout the region. Tad looks for high-performing, innovative, values-driven, informed, and passionate (HIVIP) employees to build resilient systems that are financially viable and environmentally sustainable with strong community support. Under Tad’s leadership, CAW has been recognized as a state and national leader in financial reporting, transparency, community partnerships, sustainability, innovation, education, workforce development, regionalism, and watershed management. In 2022, CAW was recognized as one of the Leading Utilities of the World. CAW and its employees have also been recognized globally for their professional excellence and their contributions to the profession. Before joining CAW, Tad was a partner at one of the preeminent law firms in Arkansas, and his practice focused on water and wastewater utilities, mergers and acquisitions, start-ups, municipal law, and real estate. Altogether, Tad has over 25 years of water and wastewater experience.
Tad serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, the Association of Regional Water Organizations, the Southwest Section of the American Water Works Association, the Water Research Foundation, the Little Rock Workforce Development Board, and the Arkansas Repertory Theater. He is a frequent speaker on leadership, employee development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and Arkansas history, as well as a wide range of other water utility issues. Tad holds an undergraduate degree from Hendrix College, a law degree from the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, a Masters (LL.M.) in taxation from Washington University, and an M.B.A from Oxford University.
Tad lives in Little Rock with his wife, Gayle – the Administrator of St. James United Methodist Church, his son, Spencer – a Junior at Catholic High School, and their dog, Softy – a Cavachon who is the queen of the household.