Four Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Name New CEOs

Four of Kentucky's 27 consumer-owned electric cooperatives ushered in the new year with new chief executive officers.

		At McKee-based Jackson Energy Cooperative, Don Schaefer began his duties as president and CEO on January 1, replacing retiring CEO Doug Leary. Previously manager of engineering and operations at the co-op, Schaefer brings more than 30 years of electric utility experience to the job. Schaefer is a professional engineer and is a senior member of the Institute of Electric and Electrical Engineers.
		Owen Electric Cooperative's new president/CEO, Robert Marshall, will begin his work on January 27 upon the retirement of current CEO Frank Downing. Marshall comes to the Owenton-based co-op from his post as General Manager of Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative in Talladega, Alabama. Marshall holds a degree in civil engineering and has worked in the electric utility industry as an engineer and manager for more than 30 years.
		In Somerset, Gary Cavitt took up the reins as general manager and CEO of South Kentucky RECC on January 1, replacing retiring CEO Keith Sloan. Cavitt brings nearly a quarter-century of experience in the electric cooperative industry, including employment with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and management of electric co-ops in Vermont and Michigan to the job.
		At Warren RECC, headquartered in Bowling Green, Gerald W. Hayes assumed the duties of president and CEO on January 1 from retiring CEO Floyd Ellis. A 31-year employee of the cooperative, Hayes previously served the co-op for nine years as district manager of its Leitchfield office. Hayes' credentials include completion of NRECA's Management Internship Program and accreditation as a certified public power executive by the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association.

In addition to starting their new duties at their respective
cooperatives, all four new co-op CEOs will become directors on the board of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc. on January 20.

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