The Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority has promoted Daniel Lancaster to the position of chief operating officer. He has 16 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, including 12 years with HWEA, according to a press release from the agency. 

“Daniel has earned the trust of our board and our team through steady leadership, a strong commitment to compliance and water quality, and a constant focus on service,” Melissa Spurr, general manager, said in the release. “As we build on HWEA’s 130-year legacy, I’m confident he will lead our day-to-day operations with excellence and help move critical projects forward for our customers and community.” 

Prior to the promotion, Lancaster was director of water and previously served as environmental compliance coordinator. The COO oversees utility compliance, daily operations and maintenance, strategic planning and project execution. 

As the new COO, he fills the vacancy created when Spurr was recently promoted to general manager to replace Derrick Watson, who retired at the end of 2025. 

Lancaster has two degrees from Murray State University — a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Technology and a Master of Science in Applied Engineering and Technology Management. He maintains a Kentucky Class IVA Water Treatment Operator Certification. 

Lancaster and his wife, Heather Lancaster, executive director of Sanctuary Inc., have two daughters, Mallory and Amelia. 

Hoptown Chronicle

Hoptown Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news outlet that is dedicated to providing fair, fact-based reporting for people who care about Hopkinsville, Kentucky. We believe that public service journalism serves the community’s social, cultural and economic wellbeing by fostering knowledge, connection and meaning.