Riley Retires From FEC Board of Trustees

Farmers’ Electric Cooperative announces the retirement of Ernest Riley from his position on the board of trustees after 31 years of service.

Riley began his tenure on the board in April 1992, representing District 2 (Melrose) in the FEC service area. He replaced the retiring, Dawson Ridling. Riley served as secretarytreasurer on the board from 2008 to 2016. In 2012, he also served on the board of Western Farmers Electric Cooperative—FEC’s wholesale power provider.

“Ernest played a vital role as a member of the board,” longtime board President Mike West says. “Farmers’ Electric saw significant growth during Ernest’s time on the board. He was always an integral part of board decision-making. He and the value he brought to our board will truly be missed.”

This was his first taste of the electric cooperative world. Riley eventually moved back to Melrose, where he and the love of his life, Linda, raised their family. Riley is a welder by trade and has owned and operated Riley’s Welding Shop for many years.

“Owned

Board of Trustees

President

Michael B. West

Fort Sumner, District 

Vice President

George Dodge Jr.

Santa Rosa, District 

Secretary-Treasurer

Donnie Bidegain

San Jon/Logan, District 

Judy Smith

Tucumcari-Ragland, District 

Vacant

Melrose, District 

Justin Barnes

Clovis, District 

John Pat Woods

Broadview/Grady, District 

Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees meets at  a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Clovis cooperative boardroom.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Riley graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1963. He started in the Taiban school system when he was 5 years old but moved to Fort Sumner schools after Taiban was closed due to low enrollment. After graduating from high school, Riley went to work for South Plains Electric Cooperative in Lubbock, Texas.

“Ernest’s presence on the board will be profoundly missed,” Vice-President George Dodge says. “His extensive knowledge of Farmers’ Electric and knowing the pulse of our members helped guide the cooperative for many years. I will personally miss him sitting across the table.”

Mr. Riley, thank you for your many years of dedicated service to FEC. We wish you the best.