Special to Iredell Free News
Wayne Wilkins, chief executive officer of EnergyUnited, has announced his retirement after serving over 50 years in the energy industry.
In addition to serving as chief executive officer of EnergyUnited for the past 15 years, Wilkins also notably served as chief executive officer of Davidson EMC for 16 years, prior to the cooperative’s merger with Crescent EMC in 1998.
Wilkins’ career began with Davidson EMC in 1971 when he accepted a position drafting truck and system working maps and continued while he attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a power system focus in 1976.
After he received his degree, Wilkins continued working for Davidson EMC in the cooperative’s Engineering Department, working closely with its substation construction, operations, maintenance and equipment testing divisions before he accepted the position of chief executive officer in 1982.
“The impact in working together with other folks from the cooperative, serving with the many cooperative employees over the years and with my colleagues across the state and nation to usher in new technologies, new infrastructure and new policies was an incredible experience,” Wilkins said. “We each worked together towards a common goal: improving the lives of our members.”
As chief executive officer, Wilkins reported directly to the cooperative’s board of directors, which consists of nine EnergyUnited members. The board is led by its chairman, Dr. Max. Walser, who had the privilege of working alongside Wilkins during his tenure as chief executive officer.
“Over the course of his storied career in the energy industry, Wayne was continually committed to supporting member and community service initiatives that positively impacted so many people,” Walser said. “EnergyUnited is positioned as the leading energy services provider in North Carolina thanks to his leadership and dedication. I’m incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve with Wayne and I sincerely appreciate all that he has done on behalf of EnergyUnited members.”
Wilkins will continue to serve as chief executive officer of EnergyUnited until the cooperative announces a successor, which is expected later this spring. The cooperative is currently conducting a national search for its next chief executive officer.
About EnergyUnited
EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina serving nearly 135,000 metering points. Headquartered in Statesville, EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of nineteen counties in west central North Carolina which include Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin. Visit EnergyUnited online at www.energyunited.com to learn more about the cooperative’s community programs and energy service offerings.