Raleigh, N.C. [April 8, 2025] – North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives announces the retirement of Lark James, senior vice president and CFO, following more than three decades of service to cooperative members and communities. Doug Browne, who currently serves as the vice president of finance, will be promoted to CFO effective May 1.

“Lark has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial strength and strategic direction of our mission-driven organization,” said Joe Brannan, executive vice president and CEO for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring our ability to deliver reliable, affordable electricity to rural communities across North Carolina. Her impact will be seen and felt for many years to come, and we thank her for dedication and service.”

James has held various leadership positions since joining the cooperatives in 1994, including vice president of finance and controller. She has worked closely with the state’s 26 electric cooperatives and utilities nationwide, establishing herself as a highly respected leader in the industry.

“It has been a privilege – and honor – to serve the state’s electric cooperatives and their members for more than 31 years,” said James. “Throughout my career, I have seen that the positive impact we have in rural communities is a direct result of the unwavering commitment and dedication of electric cooperative employees throughout the state, all of whom share a collective vision for a building a brighter future for co-op members and communities.”

Browne, who joined the organization in 2004, will bring extensive financial leadership experience to the CFO role. As vice president of finance, he has played a key role in overseeing financial operations and supporting the cooperatives’ long-term goals.

“Doug has consistently shown the strategic vision needed to navigate the changing energy landscape, always putting the needs of the state’s 2.8 million cooperative members first,” said Brannan. “We are confident that he will continue to build on the solid foundation Lark established during her remarkable three decades of leadership.”

# # #

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives includes the family of organizations formed to support the state’s 26 community-based electric cooperatives, including: North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, a generation and transmission organization; North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, the cooperatives’ trade association; and Tarheel Electric Membership Association, Inc. (TEMA), a central purchasing and materials-supply cooperative.

Media Contact:

Townley Venters | Townley.venters@ncemcs.com | 919-645-2432