Harris named assistant general manager at Jump River Electric
The Jump River Electric Cooperative (JREC) Board of Directors has promoted Kurt Harris to Assistant General Manager. Harris will work side-by-side with Interim General Manager Mike Schaefer, then transition into the general manager position once Schaefer’s term ends in May 2022. Harris assumed his new duties on November 7.
“Kurt has shown a continued willingness to learn and lead,” JREC Board Chairman Myron Brooks said. “Under Mike’s guidance, Kurt will have on-the-job training to ensure a smooth transition into his new role.”
Harris started at Jump River Electric in 2005 as an apprentice lineman and later earned his journeyman’s license. Harris’ experience also includes serving as a meter tech/lineman and general foreman. Most recently, he served as JREC’s operations manager.
“Besides wanting a strong leader for our excellent team of employees, I have a deep personal desire to ensure Jump River’s next general manager is up to the task,” Schaefer said. “As a member, I want to make sure the cooperative is in good hands. I know Kurt will be a great fit for the position.”
“I am excited for this opportunity,” Harris said. “The time to learn from Mike will go by quickly, but I am ready to hit the ground running.
“We will continue to work on improving our overall infrastructure, safety and service reliability,” Harris continued. “There are some promising opportunities on the horizon with emerging technology and I want to make sure we embrace it in ways that benefit our the 83-year-old cooperative since spring after Jim Anderson accepted a new position in Washington State.
“We are grateful for Mike’s dedication to Jump River’s employees and members,” Brooks said. “His past experience has been invaluable and will ensure Kurt has the tools he needs to succeed.”
Harris and his wife, Stefanie, have two children: Mia age 7 and Luke (4). The kids attend the School District of Flambeau where Stefanie works as the district’s finance secretary. As a family, they enjoy traveling and outdoor activities.
For more than 80 years, Jump River Electric Cooperative has provided quality, reliable electric service, as well as a variety of additional services, including electric heat, water heaters, load management options and Viasat Internet. JREC is owned by more than 8,600 members who receive their electricity from the Cooperative via 1,789 miles of line. The cooperative employs 27 people between their main office in Ladysmith and an outpost in Hayward, .
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Schaefer has served as interim general manager for
