Member
WILLIAM (BILL) BARNHART
Board Member Northwestern Water and Sewer District
Electric Utility Leadership and Municipal Governance
BOARD EXPERIENCE
Village of Weston
Council Member (4 years)
William "Bill" Barnhart brings over two decades of electric utility expertise and municipal governance experience to his role on the Northwestern Water and Sewer District's Board of Trustees. His leadership in the energy sector and understanding of local government provide valuable insights for The District's operations and strategic planning.
As the current President & CEO of Hancock Wood Electric Cooperative, Barnhart oversees a significant electric utility operation serving multiple counties in Northwest Ohio. His position gives him a comprehensive understanding of utility management, infrastructure development, safety, and customer service in rural and suburban areas.
Barnhart's professional background includes:
Utility Leadership
- President & CEO, Hancock Wood Electric Cooperative (July 2021 - Present)
- VP of Engineering and Operations, Hancock Wood Electric Cooperative (December 1998 - December 2021)
Technical Expertise
- Registered Electrical Engineer in the State of Ohio
- Over 20 years of experience in the electric utility industry
In his capacity as a Board Member for the Northwestern Water and Sewer District, Barnhart contributes to:
Strategic Planning
- Leveraging his utility management experience for long-term infrastructure planning
- Providing insights on regulatory compliance and operational efficiency
- Focusing on best safety practices in utility operations and construction.
Community Engagement
- Utilizing his local government experience to maintain strong relationships with municipal stakeholders
- Offering perspective on the needs of smaller communities within The District's service area
Barnhart's four-year tenure on the Village of Weston's council has given him firsthand experience in municipal governance, which is particularly valuable for understanding the challenges faced by the District's member communities.
Bill Barnhart resides in Weston, Ohio, maintaining strong ties to the community he serves. His current term on the Northwestern Water and Sewer District Board extends through December 2026.