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SECO Energy District 5 Members Elect Leslie Shannon Dean Wright As Trustee

SECO Energy members who reside in District 5 elected Leslie Shannon Dean Wright as the new Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 1, at Inverness Middle School in Citrus County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 5 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Along with Leslie Shannon Dean Wright, Troy Creel of Inverness, Dr. Karrie Markland of Lake Panasoffkee, David Rovaldi of Inverness and Lewis Smith of Inverness each submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee in January. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections as the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2014, Mrs. Wright has spent her 30-year career in public service in adult education, law enforcement and state government. Trustee-elect Wright has served as the Northeast Regional Director with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education.

 

Mrs. Wright is looking forward to serving as the District 5 Trustee. Mrs. Wright stated, “Thank you to all of the members in District 5 who attended the meeting and cast a vote. Thank you for entrusting me as your District 5 representative on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Serving as the District 5 Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees is an honor that I am looking forward to. I am excited to work with the Trustees and SECO leadership to meet the challenges of the energy industry and ensure its future success.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mrs. Wright, on your election as District 5 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we welcome you and look forward to working with you to ensure SECO Energy’s future success. In addition, I thank the other four candidates for stepping forward with their willingness to serve.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mrs. Wright, thank you for your willingness to serve as District 5 Trustee, and congratulations on your successful election. The turnout at the District 5 was amazing and in fact record breaking. I am grateful to all who participated in our not-for-profit cooperative’s democratic process. I look forward to working with you and the rest of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.”

 

If you were unable to attend and want to watch a video of the Business Meeting, SECO Energy will post a video of the meeting along with the Q&A session later this week.

 

View a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map on our Board of Trustees website section. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

SECO Energy Offers Tribute for Board Service and Condolences for the Passing of Trustee Ray Vick

SECO Energy mourns the passing of its longest tenured District 5 Trustee, Mr. Ray Vick. Serving District 5 in Citrus County in the Inverness area of SECO Energy’s service territory, Mr. Vick’s tenure on the Board of Trustees began in 1980 until his passing on January 20, 2022. The not-for-profit cooperative extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Vick’s family and loved ones.

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Mr. Vick played several pivotal roles as an elected Trustee serving as Board President for twelve years. He also served for five years as Vice President and four years as Secretary/Treasurer. He had a quiet and confident demeanor. A committed member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Vick provided his insight and wisdom to his fellow Trustees and the executive management team for a total of 42 years of service on the Board.

 

Newly hired SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Although I did not have the chance to work with Mr. Vick personally, I’m able to recognize his servant leadership through his lengthy tenure and unwavering dedication to SECO Energy.” Wynn added, “The effects of Mr. Vick’s work and legacy will continue here at SECO for years to come.”

 

Mr. Vick’s advocacy extended to the community by supporting the Citrus County Youth Fair projects. He was a strong supporter of SECO Energy’s Scholarship program and SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program.

 

Board of Trustee President Richard Dennison stated, “I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Ray Vick on the Board of Trustees for a number of years. He was a staunch believer in SECO Energy’s purpose and core values. His contributions have helped shape SECO Energy’s fiscal soundness, environmental stewardship and community support initiatives.”

 

The employees, fellow Trustees and leadership team will miss Mr. Vick’s compassionate nature and thoughtful insight. The cooperative extends its collective and deep condolences to Mr. Vick’s family during this difficult time.

 

Mr. Vick had decided late last year not to seek re-election as a District 5 Trustee. A new Trustee will be elected at the upcoming February 1 District 5 Meeting scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm at the Inverness Middle School. Drive-thru voting will be available in the school parking lot for those who prefer not to gather in a group setting in the school cafeteria. Social distancing and masks are encouraged if members choose to come inside to register and vote.

 

Learn more about the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.