Jefferson Energy Board member Bill Howard is no stranger to serving his community. During Howard’s career, he has been involved with the United Way, Rotary, the Thomson/McDuffie Chamber of Commerce, McDuffie County Board of Education and the McDuffie County Commission, among others. That is why Bill Howard is a huge asset to the Board of Jefferson Energy Cooperative. (49853-01)

Having grown up on the family farm just outside of Dearing, Bill remembers when Jefferson Energy first brought power to his home. “I was about seven years old when we got electricity,” says Howard. “One of the first things we got was a refrigerator,” he adds. More appliances followed later and Bill says it just made life a little easier. “Back then, we just got what we needed. Just the necessities.”

After graduating from Dearing High School, Bill obtained degrees at both Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia. He then went into the banking business. Throughout his years in banking, Bill experienced a good cross-section of all aspects of the business. After 40 years, he retired from his position as Vice President of First Bank of Georgia. Bill is now enjoying retirement. He and his wife, Vickie, have been married for 46 years. They have two children who have provided them with five wonderful grandchildren.

In his spare time, Bill enjoys fishing, gardening, yard work and many church activities including singing with the Wesleymen Quartet. When asked why he wanted to serve on the Jefferson Energy Board, Bill says the memories of first getting electricity as a child and how much his family appreciated it, the fact that he has been a Jefferson Energy member most of his life, and the opportunity to represent his community made it something of great interest to him. “It was a great honor to be asked to serve by the nominating committee. And I have enjoyed the challenge. It’s been a great learning experience,” he says.

Bill has seen many changes during his tenure as a Board member over the last nine years. He attributes Jefferson Energy’s success in adapting to those changes to the diversity of the Board, and the fine support from the employees. “Our Board consists of such a diverse group of people. It’s good to get different perspectives on things. And our employees are great,” he says.

“The responsibility we have as a Board to the member/owners of Jefferson Energy is great,” adds Howard. “We have to make sure we keep the best interest of them and the company in mind when making decisions.”

President and CEO of Jefferson Energy Kenneth Cook says, “We’re fortunate to have Bill Howard as one of our nine Directors. His great business sense and willingness to serve our members is tremendous.”

Bill says he and the Board will continue in their efforts to keep Jefferson Energy and its members moving forward. As time goes on, he expects continued growth and improvements in technology and facilities, which will help Jefferson Energy in its effort to provide quality service safely and economically.

Bill Howard has represented the North Region on Jefferson Energy’s Board of Directors for nine years.