The Barry Electric Cooperative Board of Directors announced today the promotion of Jennifer McBroom to CEO/General Manager of the Co-op. Ms. McBroom is only the 5th manager in the 75-year history of Barry Electric Cooperative and was chosen after a nationwide search that yielded over 50 applications. From that applicant pool, the board winnowed the choices down to a few to interview in person or via video conference.
Dr. David Cupps, president of board said, “Ms. McBroom was chosen because of her record of leadership as interim CEO. In addition, the board is convinced that she shares their vision for Barry Electric going into the future.” Ms. McBroom served as Barry Electric’s CFO for the last 5 years where she gained invaluable knowledge of the Barry Electric business model.
“The selection process was unhurried and deliberate. The board was able to take time in making this choice thanks, in no small part, to Bill Shiveley.” Mr. Shiveley served as a part-time consultant to the board during the interim between managers. Mr. Shiveley was previously CEO/General Manager of Barry Electric from 1991-2017. “His steadying hand and wise advice to Ms. McBroom while she served as interim CEO was invaluable. During this interim time, the cooperative has operated as smoothly as ever,” Dr. Cupps remarked.
McBroom joined Barry Electric Cooperative in 2016 as the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the cooperative, she spent 18 years in the banking industry – spending most of her career serving in community banks as the credit officer for commercial loan portfolios. “I am fortunate to have been able to bring my financial background to the electric cooperative industry, and it has been a privilege to serve as the CFO of Barry Electric for the past 5 years. Being named CEO and General Manager of such a great organization is an honor, and I look forward to leading our employees as we continue to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric and fiber services to our membership,” McBroom said. Ms. McBroom expressed sincere appreciation of the board and Mr. Shiveley for their continued support.
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Business Administration and Finance from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee where she graduated with honors. She and her husband of 20 years, Tony, have resided in Barry County for the last 7 years, with their two children, Estin (17) and Aiden (13).
The board of directors feels very strongly that Ms. McBroom will be an outstanding CEO for the cooperative. With the full support of her coworkers and the board, the Co-op is excited for the membership to get acquainted with Jennifer and join us in welcoming her to a long and successful career as Barry Electric’s CEO.
