07/27/2026
Please view this video message from Newberry Electric CEO Keith Avery as he announces his retirement after 15 years of service.
Newberry Electric Cooperative President and CEO Keith Avery has announced he will retire effective Sept. 1, capping 15 years of dedicated leadership and service to the cooperative.
"My time at Newberry Electric has been wonderful, and I'm proud of everything we accomplished, from responding to storms to deploying broadband and everything in between," Avery said. "I've had a great career, but I’m 67, and I’m looking forward to the next phase of life."
Avery navigated the cooperative through a period of significant growth in the Midlands and a time of constant change in the increasingly complex electric utility industry. He spearheaded the cooperative’s successful partnership with Carolina Connect, an effort that has extended high-speed internet access to thousands of Newberry County residents. And he was central to the cooperative’s response to major weather events such as Hurricane Helene and the 2014 ice storm.
“When a storm hits or a tough decision needs to be made, you want someone like Keith Avery in charge,” said Johnnie Dickert, chairman of Newberry Electric’s board. “We will miss his steady leadership, and we wish him the best in retirement.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Newberry Electric’s board will appoint an interim CEO to serve from Sept. 1 until the board completes its search for a permanent president and CEO.
"The co-op is in great hands,” Avery said. “The board will conduct a rigorous search, and I know they will find the right leader to lead Newberry Electric into a bright future."
Newberry Electric members can expect business to continue as usual in the coming months, with the cooperative remaining focused on providing safe, reliable electric service.
