Embracing a New Chapter: Reflecting on My Journey as CEO of Jones-Onslow EMC
I am writing to let you know that I am retiring from my role as CEO of Jones-Onslow EMC and am moving on to the next chapter of my life.
Many people go through their entire lives without ever discovering their higher purpose. I was lucky enough to discover mine back in 1974 when I started working at an electric cooperative in Florida. I didn’t realize it at the time, but later came to see what I was doing was more than just a job, it was a calling for me and that is why it doesn’t seem like I have worked for 50 years. During this journey, I learned a lot about myself. I learned how to treat everyone with respect, to treat people fairly, to always do the right thing, to be humble and grateful, to really listen and hear what people are saying, to see the best in people—until they prove otherwise, to be a little kinder than is necessary, to learn from your mistakes, to never stop learning, to focus on the solution—not the problem, to not compare myself to other people—just be better today than I was yesterday, and to give back to my community. How fortunate I have been to live and work in such a fulfilling way.
As I reflect on our company’s history and its impact on our communities and our members, I am inspired, exceptionally proud, and a little overwhelmed. The success of Jones-Onslow has created tremendous value for our members as well as our employees and our local communities. Working together, we have helped thousands of people over the last 80-plus years to have better lives because of what we do. I am also very proud of the role we have played in advancing the way distribution cooperatives in North Carolina interact with our power supplier– NCEMC and how we are an integral part of bringing a Brighter Energy Future to North Carolina. Our mission to deliver safe, affordable, and reliable energy to our members makes us so much more than just an electric company—we are a part of the fabric of the communities we serve.
Words cannot begin to express how deeply grateful I am to all the employees of this company, the incredible Board of Directors who have given me wise counsel and support to lead this organization in a new path over the last several years, and to you—our members. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be a CEO of this great company and it is my sincere hope that I have left it a little better by having been here.
Thank you for everything and good luck on your retirement!!