American Public Power Association appoints new chair, board of directors

The American Public Power Association has appointed new faces to their leadership for 2019-2020.

The reshaping of their Board of Directors begins with Decosta Jenkins, president and CEO of Nashville Electric Service, who now serves as APPA’s chair. Jolene Thompson, executive vice president of member services and external affairs for American Municipal Power and executive director of the Ohio Municipal Electric Association, will serve as chair-elect. Colin Hansen, executive director of Kansas Municipal Utilities, follows as vice chair. Coleman Smoak, general manager of Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, is now the immediate past chair, while Layne Burningham, COO and general manager of Utah Municipal Power Agency, will serve as treasurer.

Several new members joined the board this month, including Kevin Maynard, director of utilities of City of Bryan Utilities; Michael Peters, president and CEO of WPPI Energy; Troy Adams, general manager of Elk River Municipal Utilities; Ellen Burt, general manager of Stowe Electric Department; Nick Lawler, general manager of Littleton Electric Light & Water Department; and John Haarlow, general manager and CEO of Snohomish County PUD.

Jenkins appointed five members of the board to serve with the new officers, including Tim Burke, president and CEO of Omaha Public Power District; Tony Cannon, general manager and CEO of Greenville Utilities Commission; Leslie James, executive director of the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association; Andrew McMahon, superintendent of the Town of Massena Electric Department; and Jacqueline Sargent, general manager of Austin Energy.

In their roles, these figures will represent 10 regions across the country in advocating for not-for-profit, community-owned utilities.