Garney Names First Chief People Officer
Kansas City, MO – May 21, 2025 — Mark Garrett has joined Garney as its first Chief People Officer. Garrett brings decades of leadership experience in human resources and operations, having held senior roles at Hallmark Cards, Farmland Foods, Smithfield Foods, and most recently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. The addition of this role reflects Garney’s commitment to strengthening the systems that support its employee-owners and sustain the culture behind its long-term success.
“Mark’s role reinforces something that’s always been true at Garney—our people are our greatest strength,” said David Burkhart, CEO at Garney. “As we take on more complex challenges across the country, his leadership will help us stay rooted in that belief and continue investing in the culture that sets Garney apart.”
In this role, Garrett will oversee Garney’s human resources, recruiting, employee relations, and training and development functions. His leadership will support the company’s people-first approach and its ongoing mission to deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure nationwide.
A Kansas City native, Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Baker University. He has long demonstrated a commitment to community service. He serves as board chair for Phoenix Family Housing and Rose Brooks Center, and on the boards of The Police Foundation of Kansas City, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, and the Kansas City Home Ownership Initiative. Garrett is also a former board chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m honored to join Garney as its first chief people officer,” said Garrett. “This is a company with a clear sense of purpose and a strong foundation built by its employee-owners. I’m excited to support the people who make Garney what it is and to help shape the next chapter of its impact on the water industry.”
About Garney
Garney is the national leader in water and wastewater infrastructure. Since 1961, Garney has been committed to delivering clean, safe drinking water and protecting public health through essential water and wastewater systems. Garney specializes in self-performing construction services for water and wastewater pipelines, treatment facilities, pumping stations, water storage tanks, and industrial/heavy civil projects through conventional and collaborative delivery methods for municipal, federal, and private sector clients. As a 100% employee-owned company with 18 offices and 2,500 employee-owners nationwide, Garney is committed to advancing the future of water and wastewater infrastructure. At the core of Garney’s work is its guiding purpose: Building Sustainable Futures with the World’s Most Precious Resources – Water & People®.