PEC is proud to announce its 2025 Employees of the Year, recognizing four individuals who exemplify the cooperative’s commitment to service, reliability, and community.
These employees were selected through a voting process involving peers and supervisors—making this recognition especially meaningful as it reflects the respect and appreciation of their coworkers.
Alexia Wood
Employee of the Year (Part-Time)
Member Services Assistant
As a Member Services Assistant, Alexia Wood is often the first voice and face our members encounter. She assists with billing questions, service connections and disconnections, and helps promote PEC programs and services—all while providing a welcoming and professional experience.
Alexia brings a wealth of experience to PEC, including 26 years serving as an Administrative Assistant, Records Supervisor, and Property Room Officer at a police department, along with five years at an electrical utility.
Her dedication to service and positive attitude have made a lasting impression on both members and coworkers.
“Alexia consistently goes above and beyond for her colleagues and our members,” said Supervisor Sunni Hudson. “Her positivity, dedication, and strong work ethic shine through in everything she does, and no one is more deserving of the Employee of the Year Award.”
Alexia was selected after receiving the highest number of votes from cooperative supervisors.
Aaron Brown
Employee of the Year (Full-Time)
Senior Line Technician – Maintenance
Aaron Brown plays a key role in maintaining the reliability and safety of PEC’s electrical system. His work includes installing, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining distribution lines and equipment—essential tasks that keep power flowing to our members.
Aaron is known for his strong technical skills and his consistently positive, “can-do” attitude, whether he’s working on system improvements or responding to outages.
“Aaron has many great traits that make him stand out, but one that tops the list is his attitude,” said Supervisor Dan Wyche. “Whether tackling a project, building jobs, or working outages, he’s excited to knock it out and sees every task as contributing to system reliability and customer service.”
Aaron was selected by his peers after receiving the most votes from fellow coworkers.
Paul Prentice
Supervisor of the Year
Maintenance Crew Supervisor – East Side
With a career at PEC dating back to 1995, Paul Prentice has made a lasting impact on the cooperative and its employees. As Maintenance Crew Supervisor for the east side of the system, he leads by example—working alongside his team to inspect, repair, and maintain electrical infrastructure.
Paul is also a mentor to apprentice and senior line technicians, sharing his knowledge and helping shape the culture at PEC.
“Paul’s integrity, dedication, and work ethic reflect a servant-hearted approach in all that he does,” said Supervisor Matt Cooley. “He serves the member and his fellow colleagues well every day.”
Paul was selected by a vote of his fellow supervisors, receiving the highest number of votes among nominees.
Mary Akins
Department Head of the Year
Director of Dispatching & SCADA
Mary Akins leads one of the most critical functions at PEC—overseeing the systems that monitor and manage the cooperative’s electrical operations in real time.
She manages a team of nine employees who monitor the system 24/7, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient service for members. Her expertise and leadership have earned her the respect and trust of the field personnel she supports daily.
“Mary is very member-focused and is always willing to help in any situation at any time of the day or night,” said Supervisor Billy Huffman. “She strives to ensure communication—both her own and her department’s—is clear and concise to support all departments.”
Recognizing Excellence in Service
Each of these employees represents the values that define PEC—commitment to members, dedication to reliability, and a strong sense of teamwork.
Their efforts help power our communities and ensure we continue delivering the high level of service our members expect and deserve.
Please join us in congratulating Alexia, Aaron, Paul, and Mary on this well-deserved recognition.