Engineering Leader Departs After 24 Years
After leading several technological updates, including the rollout of a broadband subsidiary, Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVECManager of Engineering Ryan Hart has departed the company to pursue other opportunities.
“I have learned a great deal working with Mr. Hart for my 22 years here at CVEC,” said Jon Cullimore, CVEC general manager. “His impact on the cooperative is undeniable. His vision and leadership have helped build a strong, stable and resilient electric distribution system, and his contributions to the entire organization have led to financial strength and stability.”
Mr. Hart, 44, began working for the cooperative as a college student. Not long after graduation from the University of Alabama, he earned the opportunity to lead the engineering department.
Mr. Hart revolutionized the department, implementing dozens of technological advancements that have made the cooperative’s operations more efficient, reduced outage times and sped the restoration of services during outages.
Furthermore, he led the engineering and design of the Coosa Valley Technologies system — the area’s first fully-fiber network.
Mr. Hart noted he will miss the family atmosphere the cooperative provided him.
“It’s been my second family,” he said. “I graduated college while I’ve been here, got married, had two kids. All my major life experiences happened with the vast majority of the people that are here. It’s tough leaving. It’s a great place to work.”
Watson Retires After Silver Anniversary
After serving on the Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative board for 25 years across 2 different stints, Buddy Watson officially retired in August. Mr. Watson opted not to run for re-election in District 5 this year. Dennis Brasher replaced him on the board at the annual meeting in September.
“I have enjoyed working with Mr. Watson over the years,” said Jon Cullimore, CVEC general manager. “He steadfastly worked to ensure our employees had the equipment they needed to work safely and efficiently, and he always kept the interests of the members of District 5 in mind.”
Mr. Watson first served on the board from 1978 to 1982. After leaving the board to focus more of his efforts on his business, Mr. Watson rejoined the board in 2002 and remained until recently.
During his tenure, CVEC completed several upgrades to its services and processes.
CVEC began to pay back capital credits to its members, launched a broadband subsidiary and deployed smart meters. The cooperative also launched the SmartPay program, which helped thousands of members repay hundreds of thousands of dollars in past-due balances.
Together these measures helped the cooperative attain its more stable financial position.