PEC appoints new CEO
The new CEO of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Christian Powell, who is set to take over in August. Courtesy photo of PEC.
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative has appointed Christian Powell as its next chief executive officer, effective Aug. 4, following the resignation of former CEO Julie Parsley in April.
Powell, who has served in several leadership roles at PEC over the past eight years, most recently as its chief compliance officer, was selected to lead the cooperative as it continues to expand and serve a growing membership across Central Texas.
“I am honored to become PEC’s next CEO, and I look forward to working closely with our board and leadership team to ensure a smooth transition,” Powell told DailyTrib. “Our foundation is strong, and we will continue to deliver exceptional service to our members, support our employees and execute on our strategic goals.”
As chief compliance officer, Powell oversaw key areas including risk management, human resources, and real estate. Before joining PEC, he spent more than 18 years with the Lower Colorado River Authority in a variety of operations and business roles.
Board President Emily Pataki praised Powell’s leadership and readiness to take on the role.
“Christian Powell is a respected and proven leader who understands this organization from the inside out,” Pataki said in a media release. “He brings the experience, judgment, and commitment needed to lead PEC into its next chapter.”
Powell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and holds professional certifications in ethics and compliance as well as project management.
He lives in Cedar Park with his wife, Mitzi, and their daughter, and has been a PEC member for nearly 20 years.
Outgoing CEO
Parsley stepped down in April after serving as CEO for more than eight years. She will remain CEO until Powell takes over in August.
She joined PEC in December 2017 as the cooperative’s first female CEO and oversaw significant growth during her tenure, including an increase from 299,000 to more than 440,000 meters. Under her leadership, PEC also established its own transmission control center in 2024.
maci@thepicayune.com