Halifax EMC’s Charles Guerry Retires After Decades of Service

Tucker Lemley named CEO

Halifax EMC Executive Vice President and General Manager Charles Guerry announced his retirement to attendees of the co-op’s annual meeting in May, where members were also introduced to the co-op’s new CEO, Tucker Lemley.

Guerry, who had led the co-op since 2006, was instrumental in developing a maintenance and energy services contract between Halifax EMC and the Town of Enfield in 2007. Under Guerry’s leadership, Halifax EMC also integrated the first utility-scale solar + storage installation to be deployed by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives — among the first of its kind in the country (“Halifax EMC Solar + Storage Project Marks NC Milestone,” September 2021, page 8).

Working alongside the Halifax EMC Board of Directors, he adopted the Operation Round Up program in 2008 and formed the Halifax Helps Board of Directors to administer the funds from that program, contributing more than $661,000 to local non-profit organizations to date.

Guerry’s career with electric utilities spans nearly 50 years, and in recognition of his service, he received resolutions of appreciation from the boards of directors of Halifax EMC and the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I extend my sincere thanks to Charles and offer our best wishes for a fulfilling and joyous retirement,” said Halifax EMC Board President Basil Williams. “We also warmly welcome Tucker and offer our unwavering support as we embark on this exciting new chapter together.”

As the co-op’s new CEO, Lemley joins Halifax EMC with 17 years of experience working for electric cooperatives, most recently as vice president of finance and administration for Peace River Electric Cooperative in Wauchula, Florida, as well as serving as CFO for Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative in Live Oak, Florida. He holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Saint Leo University in Florida and an MBA in accounting from the University of North Florida.

Originally from North Florida, he and his family recently relocated to Nash County from Wauchula. In Florida, he was an active member of his local First Baptist Church and enjoyed working in the children’s ministry. He was also an active board officer for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches and the Hardee County Education Foundation.

Pitt & Greene EMC Leader Elected as National Board Officer

Mark Suggs, executive vice president and general manager for Farmville-based Pitt & Greene EMC, was recently elected to serve as an officer on the board of directors for the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).

Suggs will fill the board’s secretary-treasurer post. He was first seated on the CFC board in 2020 and recently began his second three-year term.

Created by electric cooperatives more than 50 years ago, CFC provides credit and financial products to electric co-ops across the country. Its 23-member board of directors sets overall policy, establishes programs and develops strategies for CFC. Each of the board’s directors is elected for a three-year term and can serve two consecutive terms.

“CFC is fortunate to have a very experienced and knowledgeable board that is dedicated to the success of the electric cooperative network and provides excellent strategic guidance for the organization,” CFC Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Brad Captain said.

“Everyone at CFC looks forward to working with Mark in his new leadership role on the board.”