Gary Voigt, President and CEO of the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., announced his resignation to the board of directors today. The long-time chief executive plans to leave in "early 2012."
"This news is bittersweet," said Jim Parish, Craighead Electric Cooperative, and Sam Davis, Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, in a joint statement. "We are sad to see such a fine leader leave, but at the same time we are so very happy for Gary as he begins a new stage of his life."
Voigt had led the Electric Cooperatives, Arkansas’ second largest electric utility provider, since 1996. He replaced long-time leader Carl Whillock.
The board plans to quickly launch a search process to find a successor.
Voigt spoke briefly with Talk Business late Wednesday afternoon. He said that he would be "exploring another career choice" for his next move, but said his plans would remain vague for now. "I’m not working in the utility industry," he admitted.
The Electric Cooperatives represents Arkansas’ 17 regional electric distribution cooperatives.
