Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) has announced two leadership advancements within the cooperative.
Josh Lankford has been appointed as UEC’s first-ever assistant general manager, a role recently established and approved by the UEC Board of Directors in support of the cooperative’s continued growth.
UEC has also promoted Blake Weathers to vice president of Power Supply. Weathers will continue to oversee and secure the cooperative’s power supply needs, succeeding Robert Cromwell, who retired in 2024.
In his new position, Lankford will work closely with General Manager and CEO Robert Echenrode, focusing on the development and execution of UEC’s ongoing utility operations, mission, and long-term strategy. He will also serve as the primary liaison between the membership, management, and the GM.
Lankford joined the cooperative in 2009 as a distribution engineer. Since then, he has risen through various leadership positions, serving as engineering manager in 2016 and promoted to vice president of Engineering and Operations in 2020.
Lankford has completed extensive education supporting his position. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Portland State University and a masters in Transmission and Distribution Engineering from Gonzaga University. He is also a licensed professional engineer in Oregon and holds his Oregon General Contractors License.
Lankford has also been heavily involved in programs and committees through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), UEC’s national industry trade organization. He served six years on the Transmission and Distribution Engineering Committee, a national committee ensuring safety regulations are up to date and followed in engineering design. He also completed NRECA’s Management Internship Program in 2016 and most recently completed the Cooperative Finance Professional Certification in 2024.
“Over the past 15 years, I’ve enjoyed working amongst our great team and look forward to continuing to support our membership and our communities in this new position,” said Lankford. “Together, we’ve built a strong foundation of service and operational excellence. I look forward to the continued growth of our area and solving the challenges of tomorrow.”
Weathers joined UEC in the fall of 2022 as the Power Supply & Transmission Services Manager. Weathers has more than 20 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest power industry.
Weathers holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a masters of Public Administration from Indiana University, as well as a masters of International Public Policy from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
“I am excited to take on this new role and continue advancing our efforts to provide a secure and sustainable power supply for UEC members,” Weathers said. “As the utility industry continues to evolve, we are ready to tackle challenges head-on and keep our members at the forefront of our decisions.”
“It is the board’s and my desire to keep our employees and membership at the heart of what we do,” said Echenrode. “Josh and Blake’s leadership will help guide UEC’s ongoing growth and success as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
