The
Gainesville Regional Utilities
Authority will meet for the first time at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Gainesville City Hall Auditorium. During the first meeting, the authority will elect a chair and vice-chair, as required by House Bill 1645, the legislation that created the independent board.?
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed the first three members to the five-member board on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Those members are:?
- James Coats: Coats is the CEO of Phalanx Defense Systems, serves as a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, and was awarded the “Spirit of Gainesville” Award by the Alachua County Chamber of Commerce. Coats earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from American Military University.?
- Robert Karow: Currently retired, Karow previously served as the manager, legal counsel, and contracts manager for Oleoductos de Crudos Pesados. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Earning his bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Chapman College and his juris doctor from the University of Florida, Karow has over 40 years of energy experience with an emphasis in oil and natural gas, pipelines, facilities, and power generation.
- Eric Lawson: Lawson is the CEO of HCA North Florida Regional Hospital. Holding multiple executive leadership positions in hospitals over the past 30 years, he most recently served as the Division Chief Financial Officer for HCA TriStar. Lawson earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tennessee Technological University. Lawson satisfies the requirement for a “private, nongovernment customer consuming at least 10,000 kilowatt hours per month.”?
State Rep. Chuck Clemons filed HB 1645 on April 10 to create an independent, governor-appointed board to oversee GRU instead of the Gainesville City Commission. The bill became law on July 1 and the board assumed responsibility on Oct. 1.?
GRU provides electric, water, wastewater, gas, and telecommunications services to more than 100,000 customers in and around Gainesville.
Founder, Director and Investor | Turn HR and Recruitment into your business’ biggest revenue driver | Passionate about helping CEOs and leaders to thrive in every aspect of life |
1 年Thank you Elizabeth Scott for sharing that information! ?? Swearing in ceremonies for board members are important events for local governance, as they mark the beginning of their official duties and responsibilities. ??