Norris Electric, Tri-County Electric announce leadership transitions

Norris Electric Cooperative announces the upcoming retirement of General Manager Tamara Phillips and the appointment of Luke Johnson as her successor.

Phillips concludes a 44-year career with Norris Electric Cooperative, having joined the organization in 1982 as a key punch operator. Over the decades, she advanced through a series of roles, including positions in the billing and accounting departments, before being named office manager in 2003 and general manager in 2016.

During her tenure as general manager, Phillips led several major initiatives that strengthened the cooperative's infrastructure and operations. These include the rebuilding of three-phase lines, the implementation of a new software system, the negotiation of a power contract with Dairyland Power Cooperative, and the construction of a new headquarters facility. In her retirement, Phillips plans to travel and spend more time with her husband Richard, their daughters and granddaughter.

Johnson, Phillips' successor, brings 26 years of electric cooperative experience to the role. Johnson's first day at Norris Electric was April 1, 2026. During his career, he has progressed through the ranks of the cooperative system, starting as an apprentice lineman and advancing to foreman, metering technician, operations manager and general manager of Clay Electric Co-operative. Most recently, he led Tri-County Electric Cooperative as its CEO/general manager.

A native of Flora, Johnson has been married for 26 years and is the father of six children. He looks forward to becoming part of the Norris Electric community and getting his family involved in local schools and activities. As Norris Electric Cooperative marks this leadership transition, the co-op remains focused on its mission of delivering safe, reliable and affordable power to its consumer-members.

With Johnson's departure from Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Bob Hunzinger was brought in as the interim manager while the co-op searches for a new CEO. Hunzinger brings strong leadership and many years of experience to the co-op as he guides them through the transition. He retired from Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative in 2025 as the co-op's president/CEO after 11 years and more than 40 years in the electric utility industry.