Weathers

HERMISTON — Umatilla Electric Cooperative on Thursday, Jan. 9, announced two promotions.

The company selected Josh Lankford as its first-ever assistant general manager and promoted Blake Weathers to vice president of power supply.

According to the UEC press release, Lankford will work closely with UEC General Manager/CEO Robert Echenrode, focusing on the development and execution of the cooperative’s ongoing utility operations, mission and long-term strategy.

He also will serve as the primary liaison between the membership, management and the general manager. Lankford’s leadership and technical expertise have been a critical piece of UEC’s success for more than 15 years, according to the press release.

Weathers will continue to oversee and secure the cooperative’s power supply needs, succeeding Robert Cromwell, who retired in 2024. Weathers joined UEC in the fall of 2022 as the power supply and transmission services manager.

According to the press release, during his tenure, he has made significant contributions in contractual agreements for the co-op’s existing power supply. With more than 20 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest power industry, Weathers is prepared to step into his role to guide UEC’s power supply operations.