With plans for a number of major capital projects in the coming years, Santee Cooper has enhanced its operations team in 2024 with six strategic appointments to further its mission of delivering reliable utility services.
“We are strategically focused on a growing and sustainable future,” said Chief Operations Officer Mike Finissi. “We're streamlining processes and adjusting positions accordingly to ensure efficiency and project success.”
The groundwork for these changes began over a year ago with the addition of veteran utility administrator Scott Smith, who joined Santee Cooper as General Manager of Projects and Construction.
Key appointments in 2024 include:
- Cary Salisbury: Promoted to Senior Director of Generation, following five months as interim director. A Santee Coper team member since 2001, Salisbury has held various roles over the years.
- Mike Johnson: Appointed Director of Transmission Operations, overseeing technical and line operations for the transmission system. With more than 15 years at Santee Cooper, Johnson most recently served as Senior Manager of Transmission Line Operations.
- John Dills: Named Director of New Generation, responsible for adding new resources to Santee Cooper’s electric system. Dills, who has been with the company since 1982, previously served as Director of Construction Services Management since 2011.
- Will Stevick: Stepping into the role of Director of Construction Services Management, Stevick now oversees major construction projects, dams and dikes. Joining Santee Cooper in 2006, Stevick most recently served as Superintendent of Capital Projects since 2017.
- Lionel Richardson: Appointed Director of Project Controls, responsible for managing capital project schedules and costs. Richardson, a Santee Cooper team member since 2006, previously served as Manager of Renewable Generation.
- Steve Nance: Joining as Director of Nuclear Development and Technical Training, Nance brings over 30 years of international experience in managing engineering and large construction projects in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Steve Nance brought more than 30 years of experience managing engineering and large construction projects in the power industry in Europe, Asia and the Americas to his new role as Santee Cooper’s Director of Nuclear Development and Technical Training.
These appointments position us to meet ambitious goals, ensuring a sustainable future for its customers and the communities it serves.