Dwayne Wells was officially selected to serve as interim President and CEO of Greeneville Energy Authority as of Wednesday morning.
Wells is the Director of Power Services at GEA and was one out of four internal candidates selected for the position. An interim was recommended due to the passing of GEA’s President Chuck Bowlin, who passed away unexpectedly on April 4th while on vacation in the Virgin Islands. The board voted in their April meeting to search for the interim internally and agreed that the next CEO was most likely in house.
Vice-Chairman Tim Teague made a motion to nominate Wells Wednesday morning, Secretary Shane Hite seconded, and the board unanimously voted to appoint him. Wells said after a couple weeks of considering the position, he accepts the role to serve as interim. There will be a 90 day probation before Wells is appointed as the permanent President and CEO of GEA.
The board knows Wells will have his hands full but fully trust him to be in complete charge of GEA and its operations because of his more than 20 years of experience. He told the board the interview process was one of the hardest things he’s been through. The board and Town Attorney Ron Woods also agreed that it was a difficult process but Woods said that members have made it a smooth process since Bowlin’s death. Hite said he was grateful for the GEA team. Board member Jim Emory said there was so much talent to consider, making it hard to make the decision on who to appoint.
Board member Willie Anderson added how GEA came together through a difficult time and appreciated the togetherness, also agreeing how difficult it’s been since Bowlin’s passing. Wells will continue in his position as Director of Power Services but a replacement for his position is being considered. The board also mentioned Wells considering a Vice- President as a back up to him, there has not been one in the past, but the board agreed one is necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
