Grady EMC president and CEO resigns
August 14, 2018
CAIRO, Ga. (WCTV) -- The president and CEO of Grady Electric Membership Corporation has resigned.
Earlier this month, members began protesting the energy co-op, unhappy with their leadership. Several board members asked for more transparency and more answers.
On Monday, Grady EMC announced President and CEO Thomas 'Bo' Rosser resigned after four years in charge.
Some members said the resignation is a step in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done.
Grady staff said the resignation was to head off a potential lawsuit, but said they could not elaborate on that lawsuit. Staff added that the resignation is meant to put unrest behind them.
Director Gordon Clyatt was an organizer of the recent protests. He said Rosser was threatening to take legal action against the board for harassment. Legal documents show Rosser received more than $300,000 as compensation for his resignation.
"There's a feeling at Grady EMC, and with supporters of Grady EMC, that we should just forget the past and move forward. Well, that's not our philosophy. We think you should clear up the past to where you can move forward," Clyatt said.
Operations Manager John Long will be serving as interim CEO until after board elections in October. He said the ultimate goal and priority of all staff members is to provide the best service possible for all members.
We reached out to Rosser but did not hear back.
August 14, 2018
CAIRO, Ga. (WCTV) -- Grady Electric Membership Corporation announced Monday the resignation of its president and CEO.
Thomas "Bo" Rosser, Jr. served as the head of Grady EMC since 2014.
Adam Starr, the Manager of Member Services, said Grady EMC and Rosser reached an agreement on Friday that "headed off a potential lawsuit." Starr added that all potential claims were resolved because of the mitigation.
Members of the consumer-owned cooperative protested in early August for more transparency from the board, citing irresponsible spending and decisions being made behind closed doors. Organizers said they deserve more of a say in where their money is going, and should be able to access information on spending.
"We want openness. It's our company, member's company, and we want to know what's going on. We're loaning our employees inside that building, money against their paychecks each week. That's got to stop, said Gordon Clyatt, an elected director.
Rosser released a statement following the protest, which can be read in full
The Board of Directors unanimously voted to make current Operations Manager John Long the interim CEO. The board said a search for Rosser’s replacement would take place after the October election.
Grady EMC provides electricity and other services to more than 13,000 consumers in Decatur, Grady and Thomas Counties.
