North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the Raleigh-based wholesale power provider to and trade association for the state’s network of 26 electric distribution cooperatives, has named Sharla Wells as its vice president of external affairs.
Wells, who has nearly 15 years of electric cooperative experience, will play an integral role in continuing to advance the electric cooperatives’ vision of building a brighter future for the 2.5 million North Carolinians who rely on state’s cooperatives to help power their lives.
“We are very pleased to add a professional of Sharla’s caliber to our team,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Based on her extensive leadership experience, combined with her achievements and service-minded mentality, Sharla will be an invaluable asset to all areas of our organization, our members and the communities we serve.”
Prior to joining North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in January, Wells spent more than 10 years at Big Rivers Electric Corporation, a generation and transmission cooperative that serves more than 120,000 members in western Kentucky. In her roles there, she helped lead public policy and advocacy efforts that resulted in numerous legislative accomplishments benefiting cooperative members and communities across the state.
Wells has also held leadership positions at Kenergy Corp, an electric distribution cooperative in Henderson, KY., as well as in economic development and tourism.
“North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are held in high regard across the country,” said Wells. “They’re at the forefront of innovation, finding solutions that bring reliable, sustainable and affordable energy to their communities. I am thrilled to be joining an organization that keeps members at the center of its vision and decision making.”
Wells holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in organizational communication from Murray State University and earned a certificate in legislative studies from Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute.