(CUMMING, GA) – The Board of Directors of Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sawnee EMC) is pleased to announce that, following an extensive nationwide search, Mr. Jeremy Nelms has been selected as the Cooperative’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. His effective date has not yet been determined but will be no later than February 1, 2027.

Mr. Nelms brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the electric cooperative industry, serving cooperatives in Georgia and Florida. He currently serves as President and CEO of Flint Energies, a position he has held since 2020. Prior to joining Flint Energies, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Blue Ridge Mountain EMC. He has led major infrastructure and broadband initiatives at these cooperatives, served in statewide cooperative leadership roles, and brings valuable experience in utility operations, strategic planning, and member-focused service. Mr. Nelms holds both a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Wireless Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Florida State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Georgia and Florida. 

“We are excited to welcome Jeremy Nelms to Sawnee EMC,” said Tim Heard, Board Chairman. “Mr. Nelms brings strong cooperative experience and proven leadership. We are confident he will work closely with our Board and employees to build on Sawnee EMC’s strong foundation and continue providing the dependable, member-focused service our community knows and values.” 

Mr. Nelms will succeed Michael Goodroe, who has served as Sawnee EMC’s President and CEO since 1990 and will retire in the first quarter of 2027 after 46 years of dedicated service to the Cooperative.

Chairman Heard added, “Mr. Goodroe’s service to Sawnee EMC has been extraordinary. Under his leadership, Sawnee EMC experienced significant growth while maintaining its focus on reliable service, fiscal responsibility, and its commitment to members. While we will certainly miss his day-to-day leadership, we are grateful for all he has done for the Cooperative, our employees, and our members. We wish him the very best in retirement.”

About Sawnee EMC 
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation, a five-time J.D. Power recipient for best in customer satisfaction, is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 203,646 meters in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. Sawnee’s total assets exceed $1 billion, with energy sales of 3.7 billion kWh and annual revenue of approximately $450 million. With a team of approximately 405 dedicated professionals and over 12,542 miles of distribution line, Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members-owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.}