Four Longtime Employees Retire from OEC

Bob Rogers, Thom Prince, Randy Harnsberger and James Long hung up their hard hats in January after a combined 137 years of service to OEC.

"Retirements have been a trend here for a few years now, as those who began in the hiring boom of the 80s are moving into the next stages of their lives," said CEO Patrick Grace. "It's hard to watch that much experience leave us, and we wish them all the best."

Bob Rogers, manager of information technology services, retired after 33 years. He started in 1985 as an apprentice lineman and was manager of IT services for five years.

"Bob's knowledge of our IT systems allowed us to expand our cybersecurity efforts and positioned us well moving forward," said Jonna Buck, vice president of administration. "He will be missed."

Thom Prince, hired in 1982 as a groudman, retired Jan. 3 after 13 years as OEC's locator technician.

"From years of installing underground then transitioning to locating OEC’s underground we will miss Thom’s knowledge of our underground system," said Vice President of Operations Marty Hayes.

Longtime Key Accounts Manager Randy Harnsberger spent 10 years tasked with commercial account billing and relationship management. He joined OEC in 1985 as a laborer, spent some time in the U.S. Marines, and retired Jan. 18 after a 33-year career.

"Randy’s vast knowledge of rates and the relationships he has developed over 33 years has played a vital role in the success that OEC has had with our large commercial members," said CFO Preston O'Brien.

James Long bids farewell to OEC following 35 years — 15 of those years spent as the manager of loss control. He began his career as an apprentice lineman in 1983 and worked to become one of the key parts of OEC's culture of safety.

"OEC is a great place to work and that all starts with a culture of safety that James implemented," said CEO Patrick Grace. "His impact cannot be overstated."