Cobb EMC Board choses to stick with indicted CEO as leader

February 28 was supposed to be Dwight Brown's last day as the CEO of Cobb EMC. A court ruling had determined that. The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) and the Marietta Daily Journal (MDJ) both reported last night that the Cobb EMC Board has decided that Brown must stay.

The Marietta paper wrote, "In a prepared statement, Cobb EMC board Chairman Larry Chadwick said, "Nobody knows our co-op and the electric industry better than he does and his expertise will help us continue meeting the objective of supplying reliable and affordable power to our members."

According to the MDJ, the settlement in a previous civil suit with Cobb EMC members required that Brown step down on February 28 and his employment not be continued. While EMC leaders wait for the judge to respond to their request, Brown will work as an independent consultant for the co-op.

Board Chair Larry Chadwick was reported in the AJC to say that eight candidates were interviewed but none could match Brown's knowledge of the co-op or the industry.

This decision by the Cobb EMC Board raises numerous questions, which include:

• how did a co-op of this size become so invested in one employee that no one else can replace that person?  

• if Brown is found guilty of any of the 31 counts of indictment what happens next for the co-op?   

•  if the judge decides that Brown may not work for the co-op in any capacity, what will the next steps be? 

• if Brown is allowed to work for the co-op, what happens when Brown is no longer able to work (due to health issues or his desire to retire)     

• will the Cobb EMC Board ever abide by court rulings and operate within them rather than returning to court repeatedly?

The February 28 date for Brown's departure was determined long ago. Cobb EMC members continue to demand an open and fairly run co-op, which under current leadership they have not received. 

The dark cloud over Cobb EMC leadership continues to grow. The members are to be commended for their determination and work over several years to be sure that their co-op is run for the benefit of members, not for a limited number of insiders.    

Use these links to read the AJC and MDJ coverage.

Katherine Helms Cummings
FACE Executive Director