Pedernales Electric Cooperative announced June 17 the hiring of John D. Hewa as the company's new chief executive officer. The board of directors unanimously approved Hewa, who currently works in Arlington, VA as vice president of research, engineering and technical services for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

PEC Board President Kathy Scanlon said the new CEO's leadership will allow PEC to implement progressive programs while still controlling costs.

"John impressed the board with his knowledge of new technologies that can create efficiencies while improving services," she said in a news release.

The PEC Board began a national search for a new CEO in February to replace R.B. Sloan, who left in March. Hewa is expected to begin work at PEC July 22. He is licensed professional engineer with a bachelors degree in electrical engineering and a masters in engineering management, according to a news release from PEC.

"My mission is to work closely with members to understand what they are experiencing and how PEC can improve service," Hewa said in a news release. "I appreciate and I am honored that the Board selected me to lead this co-op at this critical time."

PEC is the nation's largest distribution electric cooperative with more than 250,000 meters and a service territory of 8,100 square miles, including Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill. As of 2012, the co-op had more than $1.3 billion in plant assets and posted a net margin of nearly $47 million.

For more information on PEC and John D. Hewa, visit www.pec.coop.