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Electric co-op finds CEO to replace former congresswoman Emerson
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), a not-for-profit organization that represents the interests of rural electric cooperatives and public power districts, announced a new chief executive officer.
Jim Matheson, a former Utah congressman, began his tenure last month.
Matheson replaces former Missouri congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, who took the helm at NRECA in 2013.
She left her congressional post after 16 years in office to take the position.
In September 2015, Emerson suffered a brain hemorrhage while traveling with her family in Italy.
She last was reported in stable condition, but an update on her condition was not available.
Emerson's chief of staff and NRECA chief operating officer, Jeffrey Connor, served as interim CEO in her absence.
Connor will continue as the association's COO.
Connor praised Emerson's drive and ambition to the NRECA board in June as he marked the end of her tenure with the organization.
His remarks were made available in an NRECA publication.
"It is our greatest hope that Jo Ann will continue to improve, and that she will have the opportunity to live a life filled with the blessings of family," Connor said. "I know -- and she agrees -- that this has been the highest honor of her distinguished career."
After spending years in the energy industry, Matheson served seven terms as a congressman in Utah. Just before joining NRECA, he served as a principal for the law firm Squire Patton Boggs.
"I'm thrilled to be here and eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work with my new colleagues and NRECA's members," Matheson said in a news release. "My initial focus will be learning the business side of NRECA and what makes it such an exceptional and successful organization. I'm really looking forward to getting out to meet with our members to learn more about their interests and discuss how NRECA can best continue to represent them in the nation's capital."