John Hewa announced his resignation as CEO of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative on Thursday.[/caption] John Hewa resigned today as the chief executive officer of Pedernales Electric Cooperative, according to a statement from the electric cooperative May 25. The cooperative’s board of directors and Hewa made the announcement jointly, stating that Hewa has decided to move back to Virginia with his family and pursue new career opportunities. During a specially called board meeting Thursday, board members designated Tracy Golden, the cooperative’s chief financial officer, to fulfill the duties of the chief executive officer effective immediately until an interim chief executive officer is selected. In a May 15 board meeting, Hewa had said the PEC had received media attention because of a board member's "racially charged comments." He said he and PEC employees had spoken out against the conduct and had faced retaliation from the board.  “My continued service as CEO has been impossible because of this situation," Hewa said during the meeting. "I’m in the process of providing the board details.”  Hewa began serving as CEO in July 2013. “I’m proud of PEC’s accomplishments in the four years that I served the cooperative,” Hewa said in the statement. “PEC is a remarkable organization with exceptionally talented employees. I wish the best for PEC in meeting its current challenges and the fast growth ahead for the Texas Hill Country. I have previously shared my concerns and hopes for PEC with the board of directors, and I’m confident that Board President Emily Pataki and the board will address each matter appropriately.” Pataki said in a statement that the board members thanked Hewa for his four years of service to the membership and employees. “We wish John Hewa and his family the very best in his bright future and thank him for his service to the cooperative,” she stated.