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CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

Retirement

Energy Cooperative announces the retirement of Gary Baker, Vice President of Marketing and Member Services, after more than 10 years of dedicated service to the Cooperative.

Prior to joining Energy Cooperative Gary owned and operated Baker Media Solutions – a video/multi-media production company – providing professional video production services to central Ohio businesses. In September of 2012, he joined the Energy Cooperative as Director of Marketing & Public Relations and was later promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Member Services. He is a graduate of NRECA’s Management Internship Program (MIP)

“I want to thank Gary for developing strong community partnerships and remaining focused on cooperative principle number 7, concern for community. Gary worked to expand our member events, including Kids Day and Earth and Energy Day. His dedication to our members and the communities we serve will be missed” said Todd Ware, Energy Cooperative’s President and CEO.

Gary continues to be active on the Newark Midland Theatre Association Board of Directors, serving as past president. He is a board member of the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Gary has been an active member of the Newark Rotary Club since 1987 and is currently serving as District Governor Elect (2024-25) for Rotary District 6690.

Promotion

Heather Juzenas has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Member Services of Energy Cooperative effective immediately. In her new role, Heather will provide leadership and oversee the cooperative’s planning, development and implementation of our public relations and member service strategies.

Heather joined Energy Cooperative in April 2018, as Communications Manager. In August 2021, she was promoted to Manager of Member Services overseeing both communications and member services. Heather has a BS in education from Otterbein University and an MBA from Ashland University. During her time at the cooperative, she became a Certified Cooperative Communicator with National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Heather is also a member of Energy Cooperative and resides in Pataskala with her husband, Chris and their children, Eli and Claire.

Throughout Heather’s tenure with the cooperative, she has been actively involved and supported numerous organizations including Newark-Heath Rotary, Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals, American Gas Association, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Communication Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties.

Juzenas has been an integral part of the cooperative’s succession planning and has worked hard preparing for this transition. Todd Ware, President and CEO of Energy Cooperative stated, “I am very excited to have Heather as part of my executive team. She has continued to grow and gain a thorough understanding of the cooperative and has made many enhancements to our overall communications and member service area. I look forward to the continued contributions she will bring to the Cooperative and to my executive team.”