7/28/2019 A & N Electric June 2013 - Brinkley

1/4

18 A&N Electric Cooperative

A&N ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE21275 Cooperative Way

P.O. Box 290Tasley, VA 23441-0290

757-787-9750 800-431-2632FAX: 757-787-9780

Office Hours: M-F, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.www.anec.com

President & CEOVernon N. Brinkley

Local Pages EditorMelissa Boldt

Tangier Generation Station757-891-2325

Brinkley Steps Down Soonby Laura Emery, Field Editor

P

resident and CEO of A&NElectric Cooperative (ANEC)Vernon Brinkley might be quiet

and unassuming, but hes been a stalwartleader of ANEC for the last 31 years navigating the Cooperative throughmany changes while maintaining therespect of his employees and board ofdirectors.

Brinkley will step down as CEO inJuly and serve as senior advisor to theboard of directors until his finalretirement on Jan. 3, 2014. As he movesinto retirement, he leaves behind alasting legacy.

A graduate of Old DominionUniversity, Brinkley started his careerwith Virginia Electric and PowerCompany in 1969. It wasnt long beforeBrinkley who was born and raised inNorfolk grew weary of moving everyfive years and decided he wanted to finda position where he could stay in oneplace. A position (as assistant manager)

opened up at ANEC in 1974 and itcouldnt have been more perfectly suitedfor the young Brinkley. His leadershipabilities quickly became evident and hesoon was promoted to president andCEO in 1982.

Chairman of the ANEC board ofdirectors Jim Collins has been on theCooperative board of directors sinceBrinkley came to ANEC and says,Vernon was, and still is, a man of goodspirits. He was always well-disciplinedand had a broad knowledge of theindustry. When he became CEO, hebecame a visionary for the Cooperativeand was progressive in his recommendationsto the board. Hes truly been married to

the Cooperative over the last 31 years,and we will certainly miss him.

Over the last 31 years, Brinkleysexpertise and leadership have benefitedcooperative organizations beyond theEastern Shore. He has served on theboards of the Virginia, Maryland &Delaware Association of ElectricCooperatives (VMDAEC) and OldDominion Electric Cooperative(ODEC). For ODEC, over the years,Brinkley has been secretary/treasurer,

vice chairman, and chairman of theboard. He currently also representsVirginia, Maryland and Delaware electriccooperatives on the National RuralElectric Cooperative Association(NRECA) board of directors.

With his leadership roles outside ofANEC, Brinkley has never lost sight ofthe fact that behind every good CEO is agood staff. Vernons legacy will be thathe was not just a president and CEO,but first and foremost a friend ...someone dedicated to those he served

and led. He always had an open-door

policy and made himself accessible toeveryone. He always listened. That didntmean he always agreed, but he wouldlisten. Whether you needed to voice aconcern, make a complaint or offer asuggestion, he listened to his employees,explains one longtime employee. Whenshowered with accolades over much ofthe Cooperatives success during histenure, Brinkley quickly deflects theattention and shifts the focus back to thestrength of his staff.

Though Brinkley has an affinity forthe water, his role at the helm of theCooperative hasnt always been smoothsailing. The Cooperative relocated andbuilt a new headquarters campus in2005, installed state-of-the-arttechnology in the headquarters and onthe Cooperatives distribution system,and weathered the challenges that comewith tripling the size of its organizationafter acquiring Delmarva PowersEastern Shore of Virginia serviceterritory in 2008.

Vernon N. BrinkleyANEC President & CEO

7/28/2019 A & N Electric June 2013 - Brinkley

2/4

11

Brinkley is also proud of the fact thatthe Cooperative has only filed for twodistribution rate increases over the spanof his tenure. Rates were raised by 2.08percent in 1983 and then by 6 percent in1990, but have remained unchanged forthe last 22 years. The fluctuation in ratesover the years has been caused by thechanging cost of energy we purchase to

resell to our members. It is during that22-year period that we dealt with someof our biggest challenges as a cooperative,so it really is impressive that we wereable to keep the rates unchanged for ourmembers. In 2012, ANEC filed adistribution rate case with the SCC,consolidating the rate of its legacymembers and the members in the newlyacquired territory. In this filing, theCooperative lowered rates to itsmembers by $500,000 per year. In arecent survey of electric rates paid byresidential customers, ANEC rates wereamong the lowest of the cooperatives inthe Commonwealth of Virginia.

ANEC also has some of the bestoutage records in the state. A few yearsago, we were number one. Last year, wewere number two. Reliable service at anaffordable price thats what we aim toprovide our members, Brinkley says,

pointing out again that its in large partdue to his supportive board of directorsand skilled staff. If you look at ourstatistics, our employees serve moreconsumers than a vast majority of theco-ops in the country (based on anemployee/consumers served ratio). Wehave a lean staff, which also keeps ourcosts down, he points out.

When asked what hell miss about hisjob, he says with no hesitation at all that its definitely the people. Youspend the better part of your life workingwith a group of people and so you,understandably, get close to them. Thestaff and board of directors are a greatgroup of folks to work with. Ill also missworking for the membership. While youcan never please everyone, its difficultbecause I always wanted to [pleaseeveryone]. Thats our objective here.

When you cant please or help everyone,it bothers you, he explains. Outside ofthe people, hell miss watching theimpact of technology in the electricindustry. I always like to see the latestand greatest in technology, and to watchthe impact the technologies have on ourbusiness operations, he says.

Outside of the office, Brinkley is aman of many facets a lover of the

water, a skilled tennis player, aphotography enthusiast, a weekendremodeler, a techie freak, an activemember of his community, a trueSouthern gentleman, and a devotedfather and husband. Hes been marriedto his wife Susan for 42 years and theyhave a 28-year-old daughter, AshleySchavel. While Brinkley has enjoyed his

tenure at the Cooperative, he is morethan ready to embrace retirement. Iwant to be free to do what I want to do,and no longer be controlled by acalendar, he says. While hes done agood bit of traveling in his career overthe years, hed like to do some travelingfor personal enjoyment with his family including a trip to New England inthe fall, a river trip in Europe next summer,and an Alaskan adventure soon afterretirement. I want to see things and goplaces, as opposed to sitting in meetingrooms all day, he says, with a laugh.

And there couldnt be a better place toretire. I have always been attracted tothe water, so the Eastern Shore is theperfect place for me to retire. Its just aneasy way of living here. The people hereon the Shore are fine people and its abeautiful climate. It truly is the land ofpleasant living.

Outside of the office, Brinkley is a man of many facets a lover of the water,a skilled tennis player, a photography enthusiast, a weekend remodeler, atechie freak, an active member of his community, a true Southerngentleman, and a devoted father and husband. Pictured to the right with hiswife, Susan, and daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and James Schavel.

June 2013

P H O T O S

C O U R T E S Y O F V E R N O N

B R I N K L E Y

7/28/2019 A & N Electric June 2013 - Brinkley

3/4

20 A&N Electric Cooperative

FAREWELL WORDS

I have known Vernon, a.k.a. Slick, forquite a while. He is the epitome of what thecooperative community is all about: integrity,

honesty, looking out for the welfare of thewhole, and above all, a gentleman! My wife,Jackie, and I will surely miss Vernon and hiswife, Susan, at meetings, but look forward tospending other time with them in retirement.Best wishes to them both as they start this newchapter in their book of life!

Myron Rummel, CEO of Shenandoah ValleyElectric Cooperative

Its funny sometimes how life and fortunescan run full circle. In 1969 Vernon and I wereemployed and worked as engineers with the

Virginia Electric and Power Company. After afew years our careers took divergent paths. Ileft to become the director of electric utilities forthe city of Lumberton, N.C., and Vernon tookan engineering position with A&N ElectricCooperative (ANEC) on the Eastern Shore ofVirginia. In 1977 I moved back to Virginia tobecome manager of Community ElectricCooperative in Windsor and in 1982 Vernonbecame manager of ANEC. We have alwaysbeen good friends, but over the last 31 years,working together in the cooperative program,we have been able to work more closely andhave developed an even higher level ofunderstanding and respect for one anothersopinion. Vernons contributions to the ruralelectrification program, not just on the EasternShore, but on a regional and national level,have been exemplary and proven what can beaccomplished with the right leadership. Overthe last 44 years, Vernon has proven to be anexceedingly good friend and colleague. Therural electrification program will surely miss hisefforts and leadership.

Jim Reynolds, former CEO of CommunityElectric Cooperative

If they had a picture in WebstersDictionary of a Southern gentleman it wouldsurely be Vernon Brinkley. He is extremely

passionate about his work and his members,highly skilled in his profession, and an all-around great guy.

Dan Walker, former ODEC employee

Vernon Brinkley has been a stalwartmember of the ODEC board for over 30years. At the time of his retirement, he will beour longest-tenured board member. He hasably served in a variety of leadership positionson this board, including as chairman, from2001 to 2004, during which time he guidedus through a major bond issue and the

construction of our combustion-turbine facilitiesin Louisa, Marsh Run and Rock Springs. On apersonal note, Vernon served as chairman ofthe Board Search Committee that hired me asthe president and CEO in 1998. He played amajor role in guiding me through those earlyyears. I am very appreciative of his leadership,guidance and friendship. He helped establishthe basis for my, now, 15 years at ODEC. Heand his wife, Susan, did much to help myfamily become a part of the cooperativefamily. That is the type of person that he is:open, honest, very friendly, with a serious

nature about the work that the cooperativesare about in serving the consumer. Hisstrongest belief has always been that thecooperatives must work together and staytogether to be most effective for our member-consumers. Vernon Brinkley will be missed atODEC and our Virginia, Maryland &Delaware Association.

Jack Reasor, CEO of Old Dominion ElectricCooperative

Vernon Brinkley is one of the mostrespected electric cooperative CEOs in thecountry. His commitment to the people of the

Eastern Shore is legendary; his passion toserve them by providing the most reliableelectricity at the lowest possible cost has

helped improve the quality of life for everycitizen of the Shore. Beyond being a greatbusinessman, though, Vernon is also a finehuman being, and in his retirement he will nodoubt continue to contribute in many ways tothe life of the Eastern Shore and all of hercommunities.

Richard Johnstone, Executive Vice Presidentof VMDAEC

There is a reason that I have referred toVernon over the past few years as the SeniorSenator from the Shore. He is one of the most

trusted and knowledgeable individuals in ourgroup and his advice has almost always beenproven to be the best course of action. But inaddition to this intellectual side, he is just agenerally fun person to be around and I willgreatly miss seeing him on a regular basis. Iwish Vernon a long and happy retirement witheach day being full of contentment except forthose days his Monarchs from Old Dominiontake on my Virginia Tech Hokies.

Greg White, CEO of Northern NeckElectric Cooperative

I have gotten to know Vernon best whilewe both worked together as cooperativeCEOs for over 18 years. Vernon is the ultimategentleman with a natural respect for others. Heis a great friend whom I will miss. Its great thatVernon and Susan have the excitement andadventure of retirement as their next step, aftermany years of hard work and preparation. Iwish them both only the very best of health andhappiness in their retirement years.

Dale Bradshaw, CEO of Prince GeorgeElectric Cooperative

President and CEO of A&N Electric Cooperative (ANEC) VernonBrinkley might be quiet and unassuming, but hes been a stalwartleader of ANEC for the last 31 years.

7/28/2019 A & N Electric June 2013 - Brinkley

4/4

BEAT THE PEAK

What is Beat The Peak?ANEC pays a monthly demand charge based on peak energy use. These peak

periods occur when members are using the most power. The Co-op can save membersmoney by reducing how much energy is being consumed during those peak-use times.

How can YOU help?ANEC will begin alerting our membership of when we are nearing a peak or a

Peak Alert. We are asking that you turn off all unnecessary lights or appliances thatmay not be needed. Whenever possible, delay your major appliance use such asdishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers. If you can, delay any hot water use.

We need your help. Together we can Beat The Peak.

Thank you.

Directors are elected from themembership to represent you on theBoard. This is your Cooperative and thereare several ways in which you cannominate your Director. Those methodsare as follows:

(1) A Nominating Committee, representingthe areas to elect Directors, is appointed.The Nominating Committee will select

2

MESSAGES FROMYOUR CO-OP REMINDER: It is quick and easy to

pay your bill online, 24 hours aday, on our secure website atwww.anec.com. Register using youraccount number, email address anda password of your choice. You canalso sign up for automatic monthly

payments from your checkingaccount or credit card. Save paperand reduce costs when you sign upfor paperless billing. Call our billingdepartment if you have questions orneed assistance with these options.

Visit us at www.facebook.com/ANElectricCoop and like us.

The Cooperative office will be closedThursday, July 4, for IndependenceDay. Have a safe and happy holiday!

June 2013

Director Electiona slate of candidates to be placed onthe ballot at the Annual Meeting. Thisyears Nominating Committee isscheduled to meet on July 8, 2013.Should you have a recommendation,you may want to notify a member ofthe Nominating Committee prior to itsscheduled meeting. The members ofthis years Committee are included inthis article.

(2) Member Petition Nominations.Members may nominate additionalindividuals to run for election for anyDirector position for which Membersare scheduled to vote at any Membermeeting (Member PetitionNominations). Members may makeMember Petition Nominations bydelivering to the Secretary at least

seventy-five (75) days prior to theMember-meeting a writing for eachMember Petition Nomination(Member Petition):

After verifying that the MemberPetition complies with this Bylaw, theCooperative shall post the MemberPetition Nomination in approximatelythe same location as the Nominating

Committee Nominations. Allnominations are due in byJuly 9, 2013.

No nominations shall be made fromthe floor at the Annual MemberMeeting.

Please visit our website for thecomplete version of A&N ElectricCooperatives Bylaws.

Proposed 2013 Nominating Committee

Michael J. Hazel Richard Dryden Dennis K. CrockettP.O. Box 516 8104 Sunset Cove Drive P.O. Box 232Onancock, VA 23417 Exmore, VA 23350 Tangier, VA 23440

Thomas Cardaci Martha P. James Bruce Gordy23873 Bailey Neck Dr. 3343 Broadwater Rd. P.O. Box 193Onancock, VA 23417 Exmore, VA 23350 Tangier, VA 23440

Gerald Davis Phillip R. Custis Dr. Nina Pruitt19216 Badger Lane P.O. Box 94 P.O. Box 70Onancock, VA 23417 Nassawadox, VA 23413 Tangier, VA 23440