Kirkley Thomas Named VP Government Affairs For Electric Cooperatives

Kirkley Thomas has been named vice president of governmental affairs for the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. He replaces Carmie Henry, who will retire Jan. 31 after more than 17 years with the cooperatives.

“After a nationwide search involving hundreds of candidates, Kirkley Thomas has been named vice president of governmental affairs for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas,” said Duane Highley, president and CEO. “Kirkley has served as the manager of economic development and in government affairs functions for the past 16 years for the cooperatives. He is an asset to the cooperative movement.”

Thomas, a Lepanto native, is an Arkansas State University graduate. He joined the Electric Cooperatives in 1998.
“I am honored to be able to continue to serve electric cooperative members throughout Arkansas in this new role,” Thomas said. “As a native of a rural Arkansas community, having worked with towns across the state in community and economic development, I am very familiar with the opportunities and challenges our members face. I look forward to working with our elected officials to advance the cooperatives’ mission of ensuring a safe, affordable and reliable power supply.”