HERMISTON, Ore.-Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) has found its next President.
After a nationwide search and a series of interviews, UEC announced that Josh Lankford, the cooperative’s current Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, was chosen for the role.
“Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who understands the needs of our diverse membership, continues to build a strong culture, and leads UEC into the future,” said UEC Board Chair Jeff Wenholz. “Josh demonstrated those qualities.”
Current UEC President/CEO Robert Echenrode announced in July that he would be retiring after 10 years leading the cooperative.
According to UEC, Lankford has led major infrastructure and operational initiatives while working alongside Echenrode for the past decade, starting as Engineering Department Manager beginning in 2016, before being promoted to Vice President of Engineering in 2020, and ultimately into his current role as Executive Vice President/COO.
Lankford holds a degree in electrical engineering, a Master’s in Transmission and Distribution Engineering, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license, and has played a key role in UEC’s strategic planning, operations and infrastructure development.
“He brings a strong combination of experience, leadership and a clear understanding of what it means to serve a member-owned cooperative,” said Wenholz.
Lankford assumes his new role as UEC President/CEO on November 1.
