Orcas Power and Light Cooperative board member Jim Lett has announced his retirement in order to spend more time with his “crowd of grandchildren.” Lett will retire on Jan. 31, and the member Election and Governance Committee is seeking applications from candidates from District 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center and Charles islands) interested in filling the vacancy. Applications are due Nov. 20.
“We will miss Jim’s thoughtful and steadfast decision making,” said OPALCO General Manager Foster Hildreth. “Jim’s focus on safety and fiscal responsibility will continue to serve our co-op membership well for years to come.”
Lett joined the board in 2009 and served as board president in 2015–2016. He earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certification from the National Rural Electric Association and is an advocate for the cooperative difference.
“Anyone interested in running for the OPALCO board must be willing to take the time to understand and appreciate how a co-op works,” said Lett. “You need to balance running a safe and sound business with the co-op principles that guide us in the care of our membership and protection of our sensitive environment.”
During his tenure, Lett helped to shepherd in some major changes.
“I’m most proud of our perseverance and ultimate success in delivering a broadband solution for San Juan County,” said Lett. “Kudos to my fellow board members, Foster Hildreth and the whole team at OPALCO for their hard work and ingenuity to bring real world accessibility to everyone – while maintaining healthy financials and keeping the lights on.”
Applications will be accepted for this open position through Nov. 20. Candidates must be a resident of district 3 as evidenced by an OPALCO membership with a residential meter in their name. For full requirements, see OPALCO Bylaws, Article III, Section 2. The board will appoint this position upon recommendation from the member Elections and Governance Committee (EGC). Candidate will serve the unexpired portion of the term; the next election cycle for District 3 falls in 2019. To apply, please send cover letter and OPALCO Application for Board of Director Positions to the EGC c/o Bev Madan: bmadan@opalco.com.
The deadline for board applicants is Nov. 20. The application is in the Resource Library at www.opalco.com.
