After a 45-year distinguished career at Jones-Onslow EMC, J. Ronald McElheney retired at the end of 2015.

McElheney began work with the Jacksonville-based cooperative as its director of member services and in 1988 became general manager then CEO. During his time at the helm, JOEMC doubled the size of its membership to 70,000.

Known for his acute attention to members and as a visionary in both the electric utility industry and the local community, McElheney twice received national recognition: for dedication to youth and education programs, and for advocating affordable electricityfor consumers.

The JOEMC board of directors named Jeffrey T. “Jeff” Clark as CEO to succeed McElheney. Clark came to Jones-Onslow in 2000 and most recently served as chief financial officer. He began his career in 1974 with a Florida electric cooperative, then workedin finance at Four County EMC in Burgaw before moving to JOEMC. He and his wife, April, have four children and live in the Swansboro community.