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By Jessica Parr

WINDSOR

In 1984, Kenny Bunch left a teaching career with Suffolk Public Schools and joined CEC in the position of engineer. Bunch advanced to director of business development and special projects in 2003, where he helped grow the Cooperative’s subsidiary, Tidewater Energy Services, into a multi-million dollar company.

Relying on his experience as a teacher, Bunch oversaw the lineman apprenticeship program at the Cooperative for many years, encouraging young apprentices to complete their bookwork and tutoring in the math assignments.

He long directed the safety program at CEC. As a certified first aid and CPR instructor, he conducted yearly training for employees. He worked tirelessly to insure Community’s ongoing commitment to safety and its continued successful accreditation. Bunch joined with other safety professionals through the national Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program to improve safety performance and culture at electric cooperatives.

In 2014, he led a CEC team to its first-ever participation in the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo where electric utility lineworkers are judged on performing a variety of tasks according to safe and efficient work practices, and the time it takes to complete each task. Later, Bunch served as a judge at the competition.

Mindful of the Cooperative principle, “Concern for Community,” Kenny served as the Cooperative’s partner-in-education with local schools. Bunch encouraged students in reading and school attendance for the chance of winning a bicycle and helmet at the end of the school year. He also shared his knowledge of first aid and CPR in the community, conducting training sessions for local boy scout troops.

“Kenny Bunch is a very unique individual. He has made a tremendous impact on the lives of, literally, thousands of people. His contribution to the success of both Community Electric Cooperative, and that of Tidewater Energy Services LLC, cannot be over-stated! He will be sorely missed, but we wish him the very best that retirement has to offer.”

 

JESSICA PARR is a spokeswoman for Community Electric Cooperative. Contact her at jparr@comelec.coop.