On July 26, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) CEO Mel Coleman, took over as interim CEO of the Craighead Electric Cooperative after former CEO Jeremiah Sloan left his position.
According to a report from Arkansas Business, Coleman states Sloan’s departure had nothing to do with a public outcry in January over the Jonesboro cooperative’s plans for property near its headquarters that contained a pet cemetery. Plot owners were upset with the prospect of gathering the gravestones place there and the fate of any still-existent remains after Craighead Electric announced construction plans for the property.
Coleman told Arkansas Business he did not talk to board members about the reason behind Sloan’s departure, but did not feel it was related to the pet cemetery. Coleman said, “The board did not tell me anything, nor did I even inquire. In situations like this, personnel issues are not a topic for conversation with the board. I do not know what the issue was, but it was certainly not that.”
has been in place since 2012.”
The Craighead Electric’s board issued a statement thanking Sloan for his leadership where he led for over two years and worked since 2016. “The positive impact he made during his time here has positioned both companies and their employees to continue to provide world-class service to members and their communities. We wish him luck as he pursues the next chapter of his professional career.” No additional statement was released if the pet cemetery issue played a role in the decision.
Coleman is running both co-ops from his office in Salem. He says the search will begin at the end of September for a permanent CEO. Coleman stated he expects a new CEO to be in place by the end of the year.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI