STAFF REPORT
At the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) annual meeting June 22 in Kyle, 843 members from across PEC’s 8,100-square-mile service area gathered for the coop’s annual meeting. PEC officials announced at the end of the day’s meeting that members re-elected Chris Perry of Dripping Springs with 9,673 votes. Perry, the District 4 incumbent, defeated Jimmy Skipton by 6,774 votes to retain his seat on the board for a second three-year term. Members also elected James Oakley of Spicewood to serve on the Co-op’s Board of Directors. Oakley ran unopposed for the District 5 seat.
Election results were announced at the conclusion of the meeting, showing 18,332 total votes were cast, including 12,242 by mail, 5,777 online and 385 in-person at the annual meeting. A special organizational Board meeting was held immediately following the annual meeting, and officers for the next year were elected as follows: President, District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox; Vice President, District 2 Director William D. Boggs; and Secretary-treasurer, District 1 Director Cristi Clement.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Monday, July 15, at 10 a.m. at PEC’s E. Babe Smith Headquarters Building in Johnson City.
PEC also recently announced its new chief executive officer, John D. Hewa, who most recently served as vice president of research, engineering and technical services for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Hewa spoke at the annual meeting, saying he is impressed by the cooperative and its employees. Hewa holds a Bachelor degree in electrical engineering and a Masters degree in engineering management. He is a licensed Professional Engineer.
The PEC Board began a national search in February for a leader who could deliver on the Co-op’s strategic plan for members. Hewa will begin July 22, replacing RB Sloan, who left the Cooperative in March. Former chief financial officer Frank Skube served as Interim CEO.
