Central Alabama Electric Cooperative Board Member, Van Smith of Billingsley, was elected to the PowerSouth (CAEC’s generation and transmission supplier) Board of Trustees during the Feb. 21 board meeting.
Smith represents Central Alabama Electric Cooperative on PowerSouth’s board, and replaces Ruby J. Neeley of Clanton, who has served as a CAEC Trustee since 1979. Neeley relinquished her position after 21 years of dedicated service on PowerSouth’s board and continues to serve as Secretary/Treasurer on CAEC’s board. Smith will serve on the Member Relations and Strategic Planning Committee.
“I believe strongly in the cooperative system, and I am pleased to support rural electric cooperatives in any way I can,” said Smith. “CAEC and PowerSouth have a strong relationship, and it is my pleasure to serve on the boards for both co-ops.”
A retired school administrator at Billingsley School, Smith now serves as a full-time farmer. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education. He received his master’s of education degree from Montevallo University. As a CAEC Trustee since 1994, Smith has earned all Cooperative Board Leadership Certifications.
Smith has been active in many professional and civic groups. He serves on the board of the Autauga County Cattlemen’s Association; he served as president for four years and as a current board member of the Alabama Farmer’s Federation; and currently serves as the County Treasurer/Superintendent of the National FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event. He served as Superintendent of the Autauga Agribition Livestock Show for the past 15 years. He is an active member of Indian Grave Baptist Church.
He has three children, Will, Zack and Grace, and three grandchildren.