This past July, President/CEO Robert Echenrode announced plans to retire after 10 years of leading Umatilla Electric Cooperative. Selecting a President/CEO is among the most important responsibilities of the UEC Board of Directors. Since then, the Board has worked with a national recruiting firm recognized for executive recruitment in the electric utility industry to identify the right leader for UEC’s future.
We approached that responsibility thoughtfully, conducting a national search, reviewing qualified applicants and completing a series of interviews to identify the right fit for UEC, its members and employees. We are pleased to share that Josh Lankford, UEC’s Executive Vice President/COO, has been selected to lead the cooperative.
Echenrode’s tenure has been marked by significant transformation at UEC, including substantial investment in the cooperative’s electric system, operations and people, while continuing to respond to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
Lankford has been a key leader alongside Echenrode throughout this period, leading major infrastructure and operational initiatives as Engineering Department Manager beginning in 2016, earning a promotion to Vice President of Engineering in 2020, and continuing his progression into his current role as Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer.
“He brings a strong combination of experience, leadership and a clear understanding of what it means to serve a member-owned cooperative,” said UEC Board Chair Jeff Wenholz. “Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who understands the needs of our diverse membership, continues to build a strong culture, and leads UEC into the future. Josh demonstrated those qualities.”
In addition to more than 10 years of leadership experience with UEC, Lankford holds a degree in electrical engineering, a Master’s in Transmission and Distribution Engineering, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in the cooperative’s strategic planning, operations and infrastructure development.
The Board looks forward to supporting Lankford as he assumes his new role on November 1, 2026. His experience with UEC, along with his connection to its employees, members and communities, provides a strong foundation for the cooperative’s continued stewardship and service.