Stephen M. "Mike" Caston | Public Service Commission Skip to main content
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Stephen M. "Mike" Caston

 

Commissioner Caston 

   Third District: All of Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Greenwood, McCormick, Edgefield, Saluda, and parts of Greenville 

   Email:  Commissioner.Caston@psc.sc.gov
   Administrative Coordinator:  Tricia DeSanty, 803-896-5100

   Assumed Commissionership September 24, 2020

   Current term ends June 30, 2024

 

   Education:

   Clemson University--BS in Civil Engineering

   Clemson University/USC Joint Master Program--Master in Public Administration

   Additional Education:

Ongoing CEU and Professional Licensing Certification

American Water Works Association (AWWA) Annual Conference (1995-2020)

Elected & Utility Experience:

Board member of the Pickens County Water and Sewer Authority (later became known as Pickens County Public Service Commission)--1985-1991

Other Experience:

SC American Water Works Association (SCAWWA) – Chair 1999-2000

American Water Works Association (AWWA) – Board of Directors 2004-2007  

SC Water Utility Council – Chair

SC Water Environment Association (SCWEA) – Chair of numerous committees (1990-2000)

Water Environment Federation (WEF) – member (1990 to present)

Blue Ridge Foothills District of SCWEA – Chair 1996-1997

Personal & Civic Service:

  • Kairos Prison Ministry at Perry Correctional Facility
  • Metanoia Prison Ministries Mentoring Program at Perry Correctional Facility
  • NewSpring Clemson Church member
  • Tiger Lettermen (Clemson University Athletic Department)

Professional Associations & Activities:

  • 2016 SC Rural Water Association (SCRWA) Decision Makers Summit
  • 2016 South Carolina Environmental Conference (SCEC)
  • 2016 GA, NC, SC Confluence Conference
  • 2016 SCRWA Annual Conference
  • 2016 Water Environment Association SC (WEASC) Operator Conference
  • 2017 South Carolina Climate Connection Workshop Series
  • 2017 SCRWA Annual Conference
  • 2017 SCEC – What If…?
  • 2017 SC Drought & Water Shortage Tabletop Exercise
  • 2018 SCRWA Decision Makers Summit
  • 2018 SCEC
  • 2018 SCRWA Annual Conference
  • 2019 SCRWA Decision Makers Summit
  • 2002 Herman H. Wiedemen Award
  • 2004 George Warren Fuller Award (AWWA award for Distinguished Service to the Water Supply Field)
  • 2008 Public Servant of the Year (Upstate Forever)
  • AWWA Committees: Quality Management in Engineering & Construction, Engineering and Construction Research, Source Water Protection, Competitive Practices, Business Practice Standards  
  • Governor’s Drought Response Committee (2000-present)
  • Task Force Leader for Governor Sanford’s Management, Accountability, and Performance (MAP) Committee
  • Peer Review team leader for AWWA’s QualServe program
  • Former Board member of Foothills Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (appointed by Spartanburg County Council)
  • Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG) Regional Water Quality Advisory Committee (appointed by Spartanburg County Council)
  • Member of ACOG’s Basin Planning Authority (appointed by ACOG)
  • SCDHEC Regulation Revision Committee, chair of sub-committee responsible for design criteria on Pumping, Storage, and Distribution for the State Primary Drinking Water Regulations
  • Former Board member of Voluntary Certification for Utility Distribution and Collection Personnel
  • Former President of Spartanburg County Water Managers’ Association
  • Former Vice-Chair of Pickens County Public Service Commission (formerly Pickens County Water and Sewer Authority)
  • Former Vice-Chair of Board of Directors for South Carolina Special Purpose Districts (SCSPDs) (approximately 2014 – 2018)
  • Former Board member of SC Rural Water Association (approximately 2008 – 2012)