The Greeneville Energy Authority Board had a hard time accepting that they will soon have to let go of board member Willie Anderson after serving for about 20 years.
Anderson told the board yesterday that after consideration he’s decided it is best to part ways with the board this spring, after he has his hip surgery. He expressed he will be taking time to recover and taking things slow.
The board will soon look to fill his position and will be taking recommendations. According to Anderson, 20 years ago when he was elected, a former member Bob Windham made a recommendation that “they needed to diversify the board.” Anderson truly believes that if Windham didn’t speak up back then, that door never would have opened for him.
It’s one of those topics that can be hard to discuss but Anderson had the courage to express his wishes to the board and asked that they consider including another minority when he steps aside. He said the Greeneville Energy Authority team is headed in a great direction and has staff that are young and have a vision but added the board has to take a look at our community, be inclusive, and bring in more good and new ideas.
Anderson said serving on the board has been the best 20 years spent in his life and that he has been blessed. After stepping away and recovering from his surgery, he is looking forward to spending quality time with his wife.
CEO and President Chuck Bowlin said the board has already tried to talk Anderson out of leaving and even Chairwoman Sarah Webster asked if they could refuse his wish to step down. Board member James Emory said Anderson will be missed. Bowlin stated his term was initially to end in June 2026, so whoever fills his position would be serving until then.
