Stivers receives Power Partner Award
WHEN KENTUCKY SENATE PRESIDENT Robert Stivers of Manchester received the 2025 Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Power Partner Award, he stressed reality.
“Kentucky’s energy policy must be grounded in reality and focused on what matters most to families and businesses: affordability, reliability and long-term stability,” Stivers told the board.
The award recognizes exceptional leadership and collaboration in support of electric cooperatives and their service in local communities.
“You often see an ‘R’ or a ‘D’ behind the name of elected leaders. For President Stivers, I suggest an ‘E’ for ‘Energy,’” says the co-op association’s President and CEO Chris Perry. “He is among the strongest voices in the country advocating for realistic energy policies because he cares so deeply about the people back home who pay the price when bad ideas become law.”
Stivers has championed legislation in support of reliable energy sources and a realistic and reasonable long-term energy policy.
“Sound energy policy isn’t ideological,” Stivers says. “It’s about meeting real-world needs and keeping the lights on at a price Kentuckians can afford.”
East Kentucky Power
Don Mosier is the new president and chief executive officer of East Kentucky Power Cooperative, succeeding Tony Campbell, who is retiring in June after leading the generation and transmission cooperative for 16 years.
Mosier has served as EKPC’s chief operating officer and executive vice president since 2010. Craig Johnson, a 36-year veteran of EKPC, succeeds Mosier in that role.
“We have an exciting future ahead of us,” Mosier says. “EKPC is building for the future by responsibly adding the infrastructure to meet Kentucky’s energy needs.”
Blue Grass Energy
Marty Littrel, who has served as president and CEO at Meade County RECC since 2015, is moving 115 miles to take the same title at Blue Grass Energy, effective this month.
Mike Williams, who has led the co-op since 2012, is retiring after 34 years with Blue Grass Energy.
“We feel fortunate to hire someone as seasoned and qualified as Marty Littrel to replace Mike Williams, who has been an outstanding leader for our organization,” says Lu Young, Blue Grass Energy board chair. Young adds that Littrel, with more than two decades of cooperative experience, “will bring an employee- and member-oriented focus to our organization.”
Littrel is also secretary-treasurer of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors, representing Kentucky, and is slated to serve as president beginning in 2029.
Meade County RECC
Kyle Heavrin, a native of Breckinridge County and a former employee at Meade County RECC from 2006 until 2013, takes the helm in March, replacing Marty Littrel. Most recently, Heavrin served as vice president of member service at South Central Power Company in Ohio.
“I’m grateful to have this opportunity to come home and lead Meade County RECC during a time of a rapidly evolving and challenging energy environment,” Heavrin says. “We will continue to stay focused on our goals of providing Meade County RECC members with the most affordable, reliable power that is available while investing in our community and our workforce.”
Licking Valley RECC
After 20 years leading Licking Valley RECC, Kerry Howard is handing over the reins to a longtime associate. John May brings nearly two decades of involvement with Licking Valley RECC, including seven years as a director and more than a decade in management.
A Campton native, May is also well-known in the region for his longstanding volunteer service with Wolfe County Search and Rescue, where he has served for more than 20 years and currently leads the team.
As CEO, May says his approach will be guided by a simple principle: remembering that Licking Valley RECC is member-owned, and that every decision should ultimately serve the people who rely on it.
