Jim Andrew receives Clyde T. Ellis Award from NRECA Board President F.E. “Wally” Wolski.
Photo credit: Michael Lynch

Orlando, FL; March 8, 2011 —The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today awarded James M. “Jim” Andrew, former Georgia Co-op Leader and Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, with its Clyde T. Ellis Service Award. Andrew was recognized for his dedicated service to electric cooperatives, spanning more than four decades.

Andrew began his service to the electric utility industry in 1968 as the Director of Marketing at Georgia EMC. He later served on the Georgia EMC Board of Directors, holding the positions of Vice President and President. Andrew also served on the Board of Directors of Jefferson Energy Cooperative in Wrens, GA, from 1976 to 2002, during which time he held the offices of Vice President and President.

On the national level, Andrew held top posts on the NRECA Board of Directors, serving as president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer. During this service, he was instrumental in launching the Touchstone Energy national brand and marketing campaign. In 2005, Andrew was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, a position he held until early 2009. In this role, Andrew focused on improving rural infrastructure, including water, wastewater, broadband, and, of course, electricity.

“No matter how busy or how successful he became, Jim was available for counsel and advice every step of his career. To this day, Jim always puts co-ops first and stands ready to help in any way he can to ensure our success,” said Paul Wood, President and CEO of Georgia EMC.

“Jim’s dedication has helped to bring essential services to millions of Americans and has significantly advanced the goals of electric cooperatives both in Georgia and nationally. The effects of his service to rural electrification will be lasting,” said F.E. “Wally” Wolski, president of NRECA’s Board of Directors.

The Ellis Award, which memorializes NRECA's first general manager (CEO), is conferred by the NRECA Board of Directors to honor an individual for contributions clearly above and beyond the routine call of duty in furthering the principles and progress of rural electrification and the development and utilization of national resources.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

More than 8,000 representatives from cooperative electric utilities across the nation are attending the NRECA Annual Meeting March 7-9 in Orlando, Florida, during which they will set NRECA’s legislative and organizational agenda for 2011. In addition to considering and acting upon policy resolutions, delegates receive reports from NRECA officials, hear addresses by key public figures and business experts, and attend educational forums on major issues affecting electric cooperatives and their consumer owners.