The Russellville Electric Board approved reopening the application period for the vacant position of General Manager at a special called meeting on October 17th.
After Charles Canida submitted his resignation effective November 1, 2024, the position was advertised and applications were accepted throughout the month of September.
A total of 19 candidates applied, but three of those applications came after the September 30th deadline. Of the remaining 16 applications, REB attorney Jeff Bowling's office prepared 'blind' applications, which included candidates' professional work experience and training, but no identifying personal information.
The board agreed to interview five candidates and Bowling's office set up those interviews for October 17th. But a source tells the FFP only one interview was conducted that evening and, after the board adjourned out of executive session, it voted to reopen the application period through October 31st.
According to REB Chairman Nick Willis, four of the five applicants who were selected for interviews were not willing to move to Russellville, which was a clearly stated condition outlined in the job description, which read: The general manager will be initially hired for a Ninety (90) Day probationary period. As a condition of hiring/retaining the position of General Manager, the individual hired, must within 60 days, if not prior to, the expiration of the Ninety (90) Day probationary period, reside within the city limits to the City of Russellville, Alabama.
When contacted to set up their interview times, applicants were asked to confirm their willingness to move to Russellville within five months of being hired. At that time, four of the five stated they did not want to move to the city, so their interviews were canceled.
All applicants, including those whose applications were received after the original deadline, were contacted by Bowling's office to inform them of the reopening of applications through October.
Willis said the board wants to hire a new General Manager as soon as possible, but board members don't want to rush the process, as those in place managing the REB on an interim basis are doing 'a good job.'
The new general manager will be paid a starting salary of, at least, $176,500 annually. Additionally, the GM's family medical and dental insurance will be provided as part of the employment package. And the GM will be eligible for participation in the Retirement Systems of the State of Alabama.
Qualifications for the position include: A B.S. Degree in Engineering, Business, Accounting or Finance or some other college degree with equivalent years of experience and/or certification is required. Experience must include Five to Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in management, preferably in a public utility, is preferred.
The board will hold its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd but there will be no action taken related to the GM position, Willis said.
A special called meeting to review applications is likely to be called in early November, Willis said.
