After a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors of Georgia EMC is pleased to announce the selection of Heather Teilhet as the organization’s next President/CEO. She will take office on January 4, 2027.

Teilhet brings almost two decades of electric utility leadership experience to Georgia EMC and 28 years of experience in government affairs and communications roles. She is returning to Georgia EMC after serving there from 2009 to 2017 in a variety of advocacy and government relations roles. Most recently, she has served as Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Oglethorpe Power Corporation, one of the largest generation cooperatives in the U.S. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Communications and Press Secretary for Governor Sonny Perdue during portions of his first and second terms in office.

“Georgia EMC is delighted to welcome Heather Teilhet as President/CEO. We believe Heather is ideally suited to serving Georgia EMC’s members in the dynamic times ahead for our industry,” said Brenda Green, Board Chairman. “We look forward to working closely with Heather to strengthen all EMCs in Georgia so they can continue serving their members’ needs effectively.”

“I’m honored to return to Georgia EMC in this leadership role and grateful for the Board’s confidence in me. Having worked alongside Georgia’s electric cooperatives for many years, I have a deep appreciation for Georgia EMC’s advocacy and support for its members. I look forward to working with our Board, the talented team and our 41 Member cooperatives as they deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to nearly five million Georgians and the communities they serve,” said Teilhet.

The board extends its sincere thanks to Dennis Chastain for almost four decades of service to Georgia’s EMCs, including the last 11 years leading Georgia EMC as President/CEO, and congratulates him on his upcoming retirement.