Four County EMC elects new board president

Last week, Four County Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) announced a new slate of officers on its Board of Directors following its regular monthly meeting on Oct. 28.

The Board elected Kenneth Thornton Jr. of the East Bladen District as its new president, following longtime Board President S. Franklin Williams’ decision to step down after more than two decades in his role. As president, Thornton will lead the board in setting strategic direction and representing the cooperative to key stakeholders.

According to the announcement, under Williams’ leadership, Four County EMC navigated major periods of growth, system improvements, and innovation while maintaining its core focus on reliability and affordability. Williams, a Duplin County native who joined the Board in 1985, will continue serving as the West Duplin District representative.

“We are deeply grateful for Mr. Williams’ dedication and steady leadership,” said CEO Don Gatton. “His passion for reliability, affordability, and service has shaped the success and strength of our cooperative.”

Thornton has served on the Board for nearly two decades and as vice president since 2021. The Board also elected G. Clayton Hollingsworth, an at-large director for over two decades, to fill the vice president position. Hollingsworth’s decades of cooperative experience and community involvement are expected to bring valuable insight to his new role.

In addition, S. Eugene “Gene” Jordan of Pender County was re-elected as secretary/treasurer, a position he has held since 2007. Jordan, who earned the director gold credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, was recognized for his commitment to responsible governance and financial integrity.

Four County EMC thanked the board of directors for their longstanding dedication to reliability, affordability, and cooperative governance.