The Russellville Electric Board met Tuesday at a special called meeting to review the latest round of applications for the vacant General Manager’s position.
The November 12th meeting saw the board go into executive session with board members receiving resumes of more than 20 candidates who applied for the job last month.
At a special called meeting on October 17th, the board approved reopening the application process after four of five candidates chosen for interviews indicated they were not willing to move to Russellville, a clearly stated condition outlined in the job posting.
Once again, the application screenings reviewed ‘blind’ resumes prepared by REB attorney Jeff Bowling’s office. Those resumes included candidates’ professional work experience and training, but no identifying personal information.
19 candidates submitted applications during the first job posting, although three came after the deadline and were not considered.
This time, REB Chairman Nick Willis said the board received nearly 30 applications. Bowling’s office contacted each applicant to confirm their willingness to move to Russellville (or continue to reside in Russellville) and more than 20 said they were willing to do so. Those candidates who said they were not willing to live in Russellville were eliminated from consideration.
The board’s regular November business meeting is set for November 19th, and Willis said he hopes the board will be ready to vote at that time on which candidates will receive interviews.
The new GM will be paid a starting salary of at least $176,500 annually. Additionally, the GM’s family medical and dental insurance will be paid as part of the employment package. And the GM will be eligible for participation in the Retirement Systems of the State of Alabama.
Qualifications for the position include: A B.S. Degree in Engineering, Business, Accounting or Finance or some other college degree with equivalent years of experience and/or certification is required. Experience must include five to 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in management, preferably in a public utility.
Former General Manager Charles Canida’s retirement took effect November 1, 2024.
