PEC’s CEO Resigns After Recent Turmoil

According to sources, Hewa and other PEC employees have been retaliated against after speaking out in the opposition of a PEC board members “racially charged comments” during a board meeting earlier this month.

PEC’s Board of Directors and John D. Hewa jointly announced today that Mr. Hewa is resigning as PEC’s chief executive officer.

Hewa began serving as CEO in July 2013. Mr. Hewa stated, “I’m proud of PEC’s accomplishments in the four years that I served the cooperative. PEC is a remarkable organization with exceptionally talented employees. I wish the best for PEC in meeting its current challenges and the fast growth ahead for the Texas Hill Country. I have previously shared my concerns and hopes for PEC with the board of directors, and I’m confident that Board President Emily Pataki and the board will address each matter appropriately.”

According to sources, Hewa and other PEC employees have been retaliated against after speaking out in the opposition of a PEC board members “racially charged comments” during a board meeting earlier this month.

In a statement from The PEC Board of Directors, congratulated Hewa on his many achievements and thanked him for four years of service to the membership and employees.

“We wish John Hewa and his family the very best in his bright future and thank him for his service to the cooperative,” Pataki said.

Hewa will be moving back to Virginia with his family and pursue new career opportunities.

At its Board of Directors meeting today, the board designated Tracy Golden, PEC’s current chief financial officer, to fulfill the duties of the chief executive officer effective immediately until such time as an interim chief executive officer is selected.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) is a not-for-profit rural electric distribution, utility cooperative headquartered in Johnson City, Texas, and was organized 1938. PEC, one of the nation’s largest rural, electricity co-ops, is owned by its 200,000 members and serves an area of 8,100 square miles. In late 2015, the system was sourcing ten percent of its generation from renewables, mostly from wind power. It also had approximately 900 customers who were operating roof-top solar energy systems. (source: Wikipedia)