A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE GARY L. STOOKSBURY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXPRESS PROFOUND GRATITUDE FOR HIS THIRTY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR A FULFILLING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

 

Whereas, since 1995, Aiken Electric Cooperative has benefited from the exemplary leadership, steadfast dedication, and extensive experience of its Chief Executive Officer Gary Stooksbury, who will retire at the end of February after three decades of outstanding service; and

 

Whereas, a native of Tennessee, Gary earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Business Administration from Bristol University; and

 

Whereas, prior to joining Aiken Electric Cooperative, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the LaFollette Utilities Board in Tennessee.  Throughout his distinguished career, Gary has been actively engaged in professional and community service, serving on the boards of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, Central Electric Power Cooperative, CarolinaConnect, Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Western South Carolina Economic Development Partnership, South Carolina Power Team, and GuideStone Financial Resources.  He also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of AEConnect, a for-profit internet subsidiary of Aiken Electric Cooperative.  In recognition of his leadership and community impact, he was named 2024 Man of the Year by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and remains an active member of the Rotary Club; and

 

Whereas, Gary and his wife, Kathy, have shared forty-four years of marriage and reside in Aiken.  They are the proud parents of two children, Brandon and Courtney, both graduates of the University of Tennessee. In his leisure time, Gary enjoys exercising, hunting, fishing, and most especially, cherishing time spent with his family and grandson; and

 

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, grateful for the legacy of steadfast leadership, integrity, and service Gary L. Stooksbury has provided to the people of South Carolina, take great pleasure in recognizing his many contributions and in wishing him every happiness as he enters a well-earned retirement.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate Gary L. Stooksbury, Chief Executive Officer of Aiken Electric Cooperative, upon the occasion of his retirement, express profound gratitude for his thirty years of distinguished service to the State of South Carolina, and extend best wishes for a fulfilling and rewarding retirement.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Gary Stooksbury.

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