DOBSON, N.C. — Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation has announced the retirement of Greg Puckett, executive vice president and general manager. Puckett will retire around the end of 2026, closing out a 40-year career with the cooperative.
Puckett has spent the last 15 years of his SYEMC career as executive vice president and general manager.
“Having worked alongside Greg for many years, I have seen firsthand his commitment to Surry-Yadkin EMC,” said Karoline Overby, president of the SYEMC Board of Directors, upon announcing Puckett’s retirement to the cooperative membership in May. “Despite many industry challenges over the years, the cooperative has grown and there has been much improvement in the reliability of the overall system under his leadership. I sincerely appreciate Greg’s hard work and dedication to the cooperative and its member-owners and wish him the very best as he begins a new chapter in his story.”
Several board of directors reflected on Puckett’s time at SYEMC and congratulated him on his upcoming retirement.
“It has been an honor to serve alongside Greg for the past 12 years,” said Stephen Hutson, director for District 2 in Surry County. “In a complicated industry with many challenges, I have seen firsthand his heart for our members while balancing the daily requirements of a large business and planning for the future. Greg has assembled one of the finest teams of employees anywhere. In doing so, he is leaving us in good hands as we face the horizon. Congratulations, Greg! Wishing you and Angie many years of happiness in your retirement.”
Sandy Welborn, director for District 6 in Wilkes County and western Surry County, shared, “Greg has provided steady leadership to Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation and has always kept the needs of our members and communities at the forefront. It has been a privilege to serve alongside him. I wish Greg all the best on his retirement.”
“The future of the cooperative and its membership is important to the board,” said Overby. “In preparation for Puckett’s retirement, the board of directors opted to choose his replacement from among qualified employees within the cooperative and conducted interviews. All the candidates were highly qualified, and it was a difficult decision.”
She said, “On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to announce that we have selected Bryon Kennedy as assistant general manager for Surry-Yadkin EMC.”
Kennedy began his new role in June of 2025. In January 2027, he will assume the role of executive vice president and general manager.
Joining the cooperative for 15 years, Kennedy was hired as SYEMC’s first IT specialist and has since served as system administrator, director of member services and public relations, and most recently as vice president of member services and public relations.
“We believe he has the leadership qualities and skill set that will continue to move the cooperative forward,” said Overby.
