MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – The Santee Cooper Board of Directors recently named James E. Brogdon Jr. interim president and CEO. Brogdon retired from Santee Cooper in 2014 as general counsel and executive vice president. Current President and CEO Lonnie Carter announced his retirement Aug. 25.
The Board also named Marc R. Tye, Santee Cooper executive vice president of competitive markets and generation, to the position of COO.
Brogdon, also a former South Carolina Circuit Court judge, joined Santee Cooper in 2005 and led the utility’s successful resolution of the Santee River flooding litigation, securing a $250 million recovery in that case. He is also credited for significant contributions to Santee Cooper’s ability to extend its contract through 2058 with Central Electric Power Cooperative, the utility’s largest customer.
“Jim is uniquely qualified to lead Santee Cooper during the coming months while our Board conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent president and CEO,” said Leighton Lord, chairman of the Santee Cooper Board. “He understands the important role Santee Cooper plays as a public power utility serving South Carolina and our primary duties to provide low-cost, reliable electricity and water, provide excellent customer service and promote economic development.
“Jim is well known by our customers, our industry peers and partners, and other key stakeholders, and he knows our responsibilities to each,” Lord continued.
As a committed community builder, Brogdon has also served a number of civic and charitable organizations. In particular, he has served on the boards of the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Northeastern Strategic Alliance, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the SCETV Endowment, the Energy Bar Association’s Southern Chapter, the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Foundation, and the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina.
Tye’s promotion to COO builds on his extensive experience across Santee Cooper operating units. In addition to his current role leading generation, wholesale markets and industrial services, he has experience in retail operations, conservation and energy efficiency, renewable energy and corporate analysis and pricing. He joined Santee Cooper in 1984.
“Marc’s breadth of experience across our core operating areas will help ensure Santee Cooper’s competitiveness and flexibility going forward,” Lord said.
Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power provider, the largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com.
