Joshua Winslow has been appointed CEO and general manager of the electric cooperative by Brunswick Electric Membership Corp.'s board of directors, according to a news release.

Winslow began his role Feb. 1 and succeeded retired executive Don Hughes, who had served as CEO and general manager since 2014, officials said.

“Josh is an excellent fit for BEMC because he has a proven track record of leadership and personnel development,” Hughes said in the release. “Not only is he storm-tested, but he consistently demonstrates concern for the community’s needs while providing strength of leadership and support for the daily operation of the co-op.”

Winslow was hired to BEMC in 2004. With the company, he has worked as a staff electrical engineer, manager of operations and most recently COO, officials said.

He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from N.C. State University. He is a licensed professional engineer, officials said.

Winslow is a member of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

“I am honored to have been selected as the co-op’s new CEO … We will continue to honor our founding principles as we face some of the most significant changes to our industry in decades,” Winslow said in the release.