Wilson Promoted to CEO/President of Broad River Electric
Joined Co-op As An 18-Year-Old Groundman Over 40 Years Ago
Doug Wilson was hired by Broad River Electric Cooperative on June 21, 1971, one day before his 18th birthday. Since then, he has held no other jobs outside of the cooperative, but has filled many roles within.
On December 28, 2011, Wilson undertook his last official position when he succeeded J. Richard Baines as President and CEO of Broad River Electric Cooperative.
“The Board of Trustees did a nationwide search for the right man or woman to lead our cooperative,” explained Norris Fowler, Chairman of the cooperative’s board of trustees. “But the right man was here already. Doug Wilson knows the cooperative frontwards and backwards. He has all the experience and leadership that we have enjoyed under the direction of Mr. Baines and that we will need as we move into the future.”
Wilson started at Broad River Electric as a Groundman before becoming a Lineman, Crew Foreman, Safety Coordinator and Special Equipment Director, and then Operations Manager. Since 2009, he has served as Assistant Manager, overseeing all day-to-day operations of the cooperative.
“I have no doubt that Doug Wilson is the person to lead this cooperative because he’s done an exceptional job of it already,” said Baines, who officially retired on January 26. “There isn’t a decision over the last several years that he didn’t have a significant part in making.”
A native of Gaffney, Wilson graduated from Gaffney High School where he received vocational training in basic electricity and electronics. While with the cooperative, Wilson earned Journeyman Lineman and Practical Loss Control Leadership certification along with other continuing education credits. He graduated from Limestone College in 2006 with Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. Last year, Wilson completed the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Management Internship program.
“Richard Baines has left a legacy of progress, fairness, and service to our membership that I hope to maintain during my tenure,” said Wilson. “I am honored that the Board of Trustees has selected me lead the cooperative that I love. It is my hope that we continue to provide our member-owners with the most efficient, reliable, and affordable service possible.”
