Annual Meeting, Co-op News
NRECA Board Elects New Leaders
Check out pictures from the board meeting and the passing of the gavel on our galleries page.
ORLANDO, Fla.—A pair of familiar faces will be joined by a new one for the next two years on the leadership team of the NRECA Board.
Incoming NRECA Board President Michael J. Guidry stands with F.E. "Wally" Wolski, the outgoing president. (Photo By: Luis Gomez)
Board members elected Michael J. Guidry, who represents Louisiana on the panel, and Curtis Nolan, the Arizona director, to serve as president and vice president for terms that start when the NRECA annual meeting concludes March 9.
Since 2009, Guidry has been vice president and Nolan has been secretary-treasurer.
Arkansas Director Mel Coleman will be the new secretary-treasurer. Coleman is chief executive officer of North Arkansas Electric Co-op, Salem, and chairs the board’s Legislative and Advocacy Committee.
The elections were the highlight of the board meeting held March 6 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel on the eve of the NRECA annual meeting.
Guidry, general manager of South Louisiana Electric Co-op, Houma, said he was thrilled to be able to serve as president, but expressed mixed emotions because he is replacing F.E. “Wally” Wolski, the outgoing president and Wyoming director.
“We’ve become more than president and vice president; we’ve become sincere friends,” he said.
In an emotional moment, he presented Wolski, who will be immediate past president, with a ceremonial gavel and a statue of a lineman.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege,” said Wolski, who received two standing ovations from board members and NRECA staffers. “Michael Guidry has covered my back for two years, and I get the chance to cover his for one. I give him my full support and thank you for letting me serve you.”
Nolan, a board member at Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Co-op, Willcox, told colleagues he welcomes the chance to serve as vice president. “It’s been a great privilege for me and I appreciate the confidence in your vote,” he said.
“I just want to say that this is a tremendous opportunity,” added Coleman. “This is a wonderful board and a great organization and I will pledge to you that I will give my all.”
Tags: Co-op News, F.E. "Wally" Wolski, Governance, Michael J. Guidry, NRECA Board