Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) is excited to announce 2 significant leadership advancements within the cooperative. These changes reflect UEC’s continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and service to its members.
Josh Lankford, pictured left, has been appointed as UEC’s first-ever Assistant General Manager, a role recently established and approved by the Board of Directors in support of the cooperative’s continued growth.
In this new position, Josh will work closely with Robert Echenrode, General Manager/CEO, focusing on the development and execution of UEC’s ongoing utility operations, mission, and long-term strategy. He will also serve as the primary liaison between the membership, management, and the General Manager.
Josh’s leadership and technical expertise have been a critical piece of UEC’s success for over 15 years. Josh joined the cooperative in 2009 as a Distribution Engineer. Since then, he has risen through various leadership positions, serving as Engineering Manager in 2016 and promoted to Vice President of Engineering and Operations in 2020.
In addition to Josh’s industry skill set, he has completed extensive education supporting his position. Josh holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Portland State University and a Masters in Transmission and Distribution Engineering from Gonzaga University. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer in Oregon and holds his Oregon General Contractors License.
Josh has also been heavily involved in programs and committees through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), UEC’s national industry trade organization.
He served 6 years on the Transmission and Distribution Engineering Committee, a national committee ensuring safety regulations are up to date and followed in engineering design. Josh also completed NRECA’s Management Internship Program in 2016 and most recently completed the Cooperative Finance Professional Certification in 2024.
“Over the past 15 years, I’ve enjoyed working amongst our great team and look forward to continuing to support our membership and our communities in this new position,” says Lankford. “Together, we’ve built a strong foundation of service and operational excellence. I look forward to the continued growth of our area and solving the challenges of tomorrow.”
UEC is equally pleased to announce the promotion of Blake Weathers to Vice President of Power Supply. Blake, pictured right, will continue to oversee and secure the cooperative’s power supply needs, succeeding Robert Cromwell, who retired in 2024.
Blake joined UEC in the fall of 2022 as the Power Supply & Transmission Services Manager. During his time serving in this capacity, Blake made significant contributions to contractual agreements for the co-op’s existing power supply and is prepared for this transition.
With over 20 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest power industry, Blake is well-equipped to guide UEC’s power supply operations into the future.
Blake holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University, as well as a Master of International Public Policy from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
“I am excited to take on this new role and continue advancing our efforts to provide a secure and sustainable power supply for UEC members,” says Blake Weathers. “As the utility industry continues to evolve, we are ready to tackle challenges head-on, and keep our members at the forefront of our decisions.”
These leadership transitions mark an exciting chapter for UEC, ensuring continued focus on day-to-day operations and the long-term mission of the cooperative.
“It is the Board’s and my desire to keep our employees and membership at the heart of what we do,” says Robert Echenrode, General Manager/CEO. “Josh and Blake’s leadership will help guide UEC’s ongoing growth and success as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
UEC remains a progressive and forward-thinking cooperative, committed to serving its members and the community for years to come.