Santee Cooper is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors, of which 12 members are appointed by the Governor, deemed fully qualified by the Senate Public Utilities Review Committee and confirmed by the state Senate. The remaining two members serve in an ex officio capacity.
The 12 appointed by the Governor include:
- One Director from each of the state's congressional districts.
- One Director from each of the three counties (Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry) where Santee Cooper serves retail customers directly.
- Two Directors with previous electric cooperative experience.
- A Chairman appointed at large.
- The Ex Officio Directors represent Central Electric Power Cooperative, Santee Cooper’s largest customer, with one being the Central Chair or designee and the other elected by the Central Board of Trustees.
Five new members were appointed in 2023:
- Charles Samual “Sam” Bennett II was appointed to represent the 1st Congressional District, a seat held by William A. Finn. Director Bennett’s term began June 14, 2023.
- Stacy K. Taylor was appointed to represent the 2nd Congressional District, which was a vacant seat. Director Taylor’s term began June 14, 2023.
- John S. West was appointed to represent Berkeley County, a seat previously held by Peggy H. Pinnell. Director West’s term began June 14, 2023.
- On May 20, 2023, Paul E. Basha assumed the Ex Officio Board Member role previously held by Rob Hochstetler.
- Alyssa Leigh Richardson was appointed to the 6th Congressional District, a seat previously held in 2023 by J. Calhoun Land IV. Director Richardson’s term began Jan. 1, 2024.
Santee Cooper is thankful to the outgoing members of the Board and to our new Board members for their time and service.
