At the January 9, 2018 meeting of the Clarksdale Public Utilities Commission, the employees and Board of Commissioners recognized several recent hires, as well as commending a couple of employees for the work they’ve done in their short time at CPU.
Mark Johnson, General Manager, began his employment at CPU back on July 19, 2017. December 19, 2017 marked 6 months of employment with CPU. The Board lauded Mark’s work as General Manager and emphasized the undertaking of projects that have been long overdue, and in only the first 6 months. When hired, Mark spoke very passionately about his focus on safety and that focus has been very visible during his tenure so far. Among other efforts, Mark holds a weekly safety meeting with all employees that focuses on ways to stay safe on the job, a report from the newly formed safety committee that also meets weekly, and other items that need to be brought to the attention of employees. Stan Lister of KCP&L (the company for which the Crossroads plant across the street from the South Plant generates electricity for as needed), who was also in attendance of Tuesday’s board meeting, highlighted the importance and rarity of holding a meeting of this caliber. “It is nice to be able to attend and see a meeting like this.” Freddie Davis, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners shared, “Mark is a great manager and leader. He always chooses the difficult “right” over the easy “wrong”. He is a forward thinker that makes quality, professional decisions. Mark is a proactive manager and leader, and a selfless leader who puts CPU employees’ needs ahead of his own. Safety is his watch word. He wants CPU and the City of Clarksdale to be successful. He is always exploring ways for CPU to become more efficient and how CPU can become a cutting edge employer. Mark wants CPU to become the employer everybody wants to work for.”
Megan Walls was introduced as a new Customer Service Representative that sits at the Receptionist Desk. Andre Lark was introduced as the newest member of the Production Plant Operators. Both were presented as doing an excellent job in their positions.
Dylan Doss, one of CPU’s apprentice linemen, was recognized for his satisfactory completion of his first year of apprentice school. Dylan is currently enrolled in the Missouri Public Utility Association (MPUA) Linemen Apprenticeship Program. He has completed his first year of school which includes Digger Derrick training (digging and pole setting) and pole climbing. The MPUA Program is a 4-year program for entry-level electric employees, with a minimum of 7200 hours of on-the-job training, in addition to two hands-on training session each year. The program provides the skills needed to obtain U.S. Department of Labor certification as a Power Journeyman Lineman.
Mark Johnson, General Manager
Andre Lark – Newest Production Plant Operator
Megan Walls – Newest Customer Service Representative
Dylan Doss, Apprentice Lineman
