Staff Report
Published Sept. 24, 2012

Berkeley Electric Cooperative has hired a new president and CEO to replace outgoing President E.E. “Skip” Strickland.

Dwayne Cartwright, new CEO of Berkeley Electric

Dwayne Cartwright, the general manager of Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association in Missouri, takes over for Strickland on Oct. 1, the cooperative said in a news release. Both Berkeley Electric and Intercounty are members of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, an alliance of more than 700 cooperatives in 46 states.

Cartwright worked for 16 years at Intercounty, beginning his career as marketing service manager in 1996, serving as interim manager and then general manager in 2006. With about 30,000 meters and more than 5,800 miles of line, Intercounty is one of the largest cooperatives in Missouri.

“Dwayne brings a lot of experience to the co-op,” said Berkeley Electric’s Board Chairman Harry Brunson. “We were looking for someone who had strengths in cooperative management, but also in community. We feel strongly about being a part of the communities we serve and with his background, we can continue our strong tradition of community service.”

Cartwright says he looks forward to relocating to the Lowcountry.

“Berkeley co-op has an incredible reputation, not only in the area, but among co-ops nationwide. It’s a great system to come to work for and my wife and I are ready,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright was chosen by Berkeley Electric’s Board of Trustees after a national search. Strickland, who is retiring after more than 32 years, joined Berkeley Electric Cooperative in 1980. During that time, the cooperative grew from serving fewer than 30,000 members to more than 80,000 members in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Today, Berkeley Electric is the largest electric cooperative in South Carolina and one of the 25 largest in the U.S.