MLEC Wraps Up Cooperative Month with 86th Annual Meeting

More than 1200 members attend local meetings

(November 20, 2025 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis wrapped up a full month of district meetings and membership events on October 30 with the 86th Annual Meeting, celebrating strong community engagement, board elections, service milestones, student achievements, and cooperative business.

Across all five meetings—Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry counties—more than 1,200 members attended, marking MLEC’s highest participation since 2014.

In Houston County, members voted for a new board member to a four-year term. Raymond H. Fussell, Jr. was elected with 117 votes. Candidates Wesley Mitchum (106) and Robert Sugg (46) also received member support. Humphreys County incumbent Larry Mayberry was re-elected with 162 votes. Candidate John Herbert Curtis received 142 votes. In Lewis County and Hickman County, board members Bill Webb and Wayne Qualls ran unopposed.

Throughout the month, several directors and cooperative leaders were also honored for their years of service:

• 45 years: Board Member Larry Mayberry; General Counsel John Lee Williams
• 32 years: Board Member Sam Fussell (retiring from the board)
• 30 years: Board Member Dr. Jeff Peery
• 15 years: Board Member Dr. Zack Hutchens
• 10 years: Board Member Jesse Wallace

During the Hickman County meeting, MLEC presented a special board resolution recognizing the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department for their response to the Hilltop Substation fire earlier this year. A bylaw revision clarifying that MLEC board members may not be employed by MLConnect was shared.

At each meeting, MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan shared updates on reliability, electric system improvements, broadband expansion, community involvement, and played the 2025 Annual Report video for members.

Local students across all five counties were recognized for outstanding achievements, including Washington Youth Tour short story winners and MLEC Poster Contest award recipients.

Each gathering concluded with a series of door prizes, including DeWalt tool sets, Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, nugget ice makers, robot vacuums, fire pits, Ring camera sets, and Apple iPads donated by MLConnect. Each member in attendance went home with a MLEC power cord.

“We are grateful to every member who took time to participate this year,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Whether you voted, asked questions, recognized students, or simply showed up, your involvement strengthens the cooperative. We’re proud to serve you and look forward to building a brighter, more connected future together.”

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