Gibson Electric Membership Corporation is celebrating staff excellence while powering continued progress with the addition of three new employees.

New CFO

Gibson Electric Manager of Accounting Julie Grogan has been tapped to succeed Richard BeDen as Chief Financial Officer when he retires in January. Grogan earned a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University and master’s in business administration from Union University. She was licensed as a certified public accountant in 2020.

Grogan began her career as an accountant at Perseus Distribution in Jackson in 2003. She joined Hickman-Fulton Counties RECC as an accountant in 2008, remained an accountant following the merger with Gibson Electric and was promoted to manager of accounting in 2021.

“Julie’s 17 years of experience with our cooperative gives her a clear understanding of what sets us apart,” said Gibson Electric Vice President of Human Resources and Member Services Rita Alexander. “Her leadership will help ensure our financial strategies continue to support the needs of our members and communities.”

Clinton team

Bob Nerren, previously a line crewleader, applied for and was granted a transfer to service crewleader. First Class Lineworker Josh West was promoted to line crewleader. Nerren and West have 14 and 13 years of respective service with Gibson Electric.

“We’re happy to have Bob and Josh move into new leadership roles in Clinton,” said Barry Smith, Gibson Electric vice president of engineering and operations. “Their experience and dedication to serving our members well will continue to benefit our team and the communities we serve.”

Apprentice Lineworkers Aiden Carson and Ethan Weatherford have joined the Clinton member service team. Carson, of Boaz, Kentucky, is a graduate of McCracken County High School who attended Madisonville Community College Lineman Training. Prior to Gibson Electric, Carson worked at Lowe’s.

Weatherford, of Wingo, Ky., is a graduate of Graves County High School who attended North American Lineman Training Center. Before joining Gibson Electric, he worked at D&D Directional Drilling.

“Aiden and Ethan grew up in Western Kentucky, which gives them a strong connection to our members,” Smith said. “They will deliver the kind of personal, reliable service our members deserve.”

Mechanic

Elliott Bauer has joined Gibson Electric as a mechanic in Trenton. He previously worked for Tennessee Tractor for 14 years, honing his skills and earning multiple certifications, including the John Deere TECH certification. He and his family live in Trenton

“Keeping our fleet running smoothly is essential to delivering reliable service to our members,” Smith said. “Elliott’s experience and strong work ethic help ensure our crews have the equipment they need to respond quickly and safely.”

Technical support

Donna Counts has joined Gibson Connect as a part-time technical support representative. She works as the front-desk receptionist at Milan High School and lives with her family in Bradford.

“We pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our Gibson Connect subscribers,” said Gibson Connect Vice President of Operations Charles Phillips. “Donna’s experience working with the public makes her a great fit for this role.”