HERMISTON, Ore.-Josh Burns has been promoted to Vice President, Operations with the Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC), effective October 1.
A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Burns served as an Airfield Operations and Air Traffic Control Officer. After his military service, Burns worked for Walmart for 14 years, rising to the position of General Manager of the Distribution Center in Hermiston.
Burns earned a Master of Science in Leadership and Ethics from John Brown University and helped launch a commercial insurance agency in Eastern Oregon in 2020, according to a UEC release announcing his promotion.
Burns joined UEC in January 2024 as Project Administrator, where he worked with the cooperative’s industrial members on economic development projects across the co-op’s service area.
“Josh’s leadership and vision have already made a positive impact at UEC,” says Assistant General Manager, Josh Lankford. “We look forward to seeing how his strong logistics background and passion for mentoring others will help strengthen daily operations and continue to guide UEC into the future.”
Burns has also served on the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce Board, as President of the Hermiston Rotary Club, and as a member of the Hermiston Planning Commission.
He currently serves on the Hermiston Airport Advisory Committee, is a founding member of the HEROS Sportsplex and is a Board Director for the Bank of Eastern Oregon.
Since joining UEC, Burns has also led the development of the Proud River Leadership Academy, a nine-month leadership course open to the community and supported by Umatilla Basin Resources.
In his role of Vice President, Operations, Burns will oversee UEC’s daily operations, with a focus on safety, efficiency, mentorship, and community service, according to the co-op.
