Farewell from Retiring CEO C. Hill Bentley

On December 26, 1967, I started work as a Cooperative Education Student with Georgia Power as a way to pay for college. I really didn’t think about it becoming a career – Judy and I just needed a real source of income before we married. Now, almost 49 years later in the utility business, we are entering the next phase of our lives – retirement.

It is a long journey from being a co-op student to a retiring CEO. I have been fortunate enough to work all over the state of Georgia in a variety of different roles in the utility business, but none have been as rewarding that the last 17 years at Tri-County. 

As I look back on my time at Tri-County and the many changes we have gone through during my tenure, I feel a sense of pride. We have great employees, reliable service, competitive rates, community service programs and an incredible safety record. I am so happy to have been a part of it. 

But there are regrets as I take this next step. The biggest regret is to not be able to work daily with the greatest group of people I’ve ever met. Judy and I have made friends throughout the Tri-County service area, the state and the U.S. and not seeing them is going to be an adjustment. Utility employees are a special breed. They put service to members as a priority. When the storms rage and the lights go out, they go to work. It’s just who they are.

Like the changing seasons, life enters different phases. It’s time for Judy and me to give up this utility life and embrace our new responsibilities. We are not spoiling our grandkids nearly enough and feel we must do a better job.

God has richly blessed us with the opportunity to work with all of you. To be a part of this community, this organization, and our extended utility family is more that we could ever have imagined. But, we leave knowing the Tri-County is in good hands. The board, staff, and cooperative family will continue to build on what has been accomplished. We will cherish these memories always and look forward to seeing you again as we embrace our new responsibilities.

“Use well your time…
Be part of something good…
Leave something good behind..
The curtain falls…
I take my bow..
That’s how it’s meant to be…
It’s your world now.” 
-The Eagles, It’s Your World Now

May God bless you all.

C. Hill Bentley

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