Officers

Will Prescott
Damage Prevention Supervisor
Greenville Utilities

Will Prescott began his career as a Utility Locator in July 1997. He was employed by V-MAC Inc., a small family owned contract locating firm that held a contract with Greenville Utilities. In February 2001 Will was hired as a Utility Locator I by Greenville Utilities. In August 2014 he was promoted to Utility Locator II. In February of the following year, Will was promoted to Chief Utility Locator in which his duties were now to supervise ULS (Utility Locating Services) and be the spokesperson for damage prevention in the Greenville Utilities service area. In 2014 Will’s title was changed to Damage Prevention Supervisor.

As a utility locator, Will and his team play a critical role in safeguarding communities and infrastructure assets. Through the use of advanced technologies and proven methodologies, he meticulously identifies the location of buried utilities such as gas lines, water mains, telecommunications cables, and electrical conduits. His expertise enables construction teams to proceed with confidence, minimizing the likelihood of accidental damage and costly disruptions.

With a deep understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices, Will ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations governing underground excavation activities. His thorough approach and attention to detail help mitigate potential hazards and liabilities, providing peace of mind to project stakeholders and the surrounding community.

In addition to his technical proficiency, Will is known for his exceptional communication skills and collaborative approach. He works closely with project managers, engineers, and excavators to coordinate efforts and resolve any potential conflicts or challenges that may arise during the construction process.

As a dedicated advocate for damage prevention, Will is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. Whether through training programs, industry conferences, or community outreach initiatives, he strives to raise awareness about the importance of proper utility locating practices and the critical role they play in safeguarding vital infrastructure assets.

With a relentless dedication to damage prevention, Will Prescott continues to make invaluable contributions to the field of utility locating, ensuring that infrastructure projects proceed smoothly, and communities remain protected.

Raymond Sonnier
Director of Damage Prevention and Safety at GAC Enterprises, LLC

Raymond Sonnier is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in damage prevention and safety. Currently, he serves as the Director of Damage Prevention and Safety at GAC Enterprises, LLC, a role he has held since March 2024. In this capacity, Raymond leverages his vast expertise to ensure the highest standards of safety and damage prevention across all operations.

Before joining GAC Enterprises, Raymond dedicated eight years to Atmos Energy as a Damage Prevention Specialist/Coordinator, where he played a critical role in safeguarding infrastructure and public safety. His career also includes supervisory roles at United States Infrastructure Group, Inc., and UtiliQuest, LLC, where he honed his leadership and operational management skills. Additionally, Raymond served as the Director of Maintenance at Acadian Baptist Center, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to excellence in various sectors.

Raymond’s educational background includes studies in Bible Theology and General Studies from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary, and a business program at Louisiana State University Eunice. He holds numerous professional certifications, including Certification for Living and Working Around Underground Pipelines from Texas811, and a series of LinkedIn certifications in key areas such as emotional intelligence, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field, Raymond has received accolades such as Damage Prevention Hero by Excavation Safety Magazine and Utility Locator of the Year by Louisiana 811 One Call. His dedication extends beyond his professional life; he is an active volunteer at Acadian Baptist Center, where he helps manage staff and coordinate disaster and humanitarian relief efforts.

John Joseph “Joe” Parda, Jr.
Executive Vice President
Temple Grading and Construction Company, Inc.
Lillington, NC

Mr. Parda has been in the contracting business his entire career. He began as in Intern while attending Fayetteville Technical Community College in Civil Engineering Technology with Nello L. Teer Company (NC License Number 109). That first contract experience had him working for Nello Teer and Roy Jorgensen Associates of Maryland on a Job Order Contract with the Federal Government. He worked on that contract until it expired.

Being involved with one of the oldest Highway Contractors in the State he had the opportunity to move on and work on the first two sections of I-540, projects on I-40 and US-220 in Greensboro and finally the widening of US 1 or Capital Boulevard from Trawick Road to the US 1/Highway 401 split where he resigned as a Project Engineer. Ask him about reading the warning label on the conduit buried at the intersection of Starmount Drive at 2 o’clock in the morning.

He joined Temple Grading and Construction Co., Inc. in October of 1995. Since then, he has served in his current capacity as Executive Vice President. His vast experience with excavation has seen activity in all regions of the State.

Mr. Parda is a certificate holder for Building, Grading and Public Utilities which are all the facets of an Unclassified General Contractor with the North Carolina Licensing Board. He is also a certified NC811 RTE operator.

His daily knowledge and experience with NC811 and the North Carolina General Statutes as they relate to the Underground Damage Prevention Act will give the Board a reasonable voice from the perspective of citizens that have to work within the laws as they are written.

After spending 25 years in the Boy Scouts as a youth and adult volunteer, he retired as a member of the Board of Directors and the Training Chairman. Now, in his spare time, he and his wife are avid WOLFPACK fans, lovers of bluegrass music and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.