Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Names New CEO and EVP

John Frick promoted to president and CEO, Chris Koon elevated to executive vice president

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished, geometric metal sculpture in the shape of an electrical pylon or power line tower, floating on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to symbolize the abstract concepts of energy infrastructure and cooperative power distribution.A sculptural representation of the electric grid highlights the critical infrastructure maintained by South Carolina's electric cooperatives.Columbia Today

The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, a trade association representing 18 distribution electric cooperatives, has named longtime government relations leader John Frick as its next president and chief executive officer. The organization also promoted General Counsel Chris Koon to executive vice president.

Why it matters

The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina plays a crucial role in providing reliable and affordable power to rural communities across the state. The leadership changes come at a time of significant industry changes, making Frick and Koon's experience and expertise vital for the organization's member cooperatives and the 2 million South Carolinians they serve.

The details

Frick, who has spent over two decades representing the state's electric cooperatives at the Statehouse and in Congress, will become the association's fifth CEO since its founding in 1941. Koon, who has served as the organization's top attorney for more than 20 years, will continue in that role while also helping ensure member cooperatives receive key services.

  • John Frick and Chris Koon were promoted on April 15, 2026.

The players

John Frick

A 50-year-old attorney and adjunct professor of energy law at the University of South Carolina School of Law, Frick has been promoted to president and chief executive officer of the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina after serving as the association's senior vice president for public policy for over two decades.

Chris Koon

A 50-year-old Chapin native and son of former Chapin Mayor Al Koon, Koon has been promoted to executive vice president of the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. He has spent over 20 years as the organization's general counsel and currently serves as president of the South Carolina Bar.

Chad Lowder

The CEO of Tri-County Electric Cooperative and chairman of the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina board, Lowder praised Frick and Koon's experience and leadership during a time of significant change in the industry.

Al Koon

The former mayor of Chapin, South Carolina, and father of Chris Koon, who passed away in October 2025.

Tanya Gee

The first wife of Chris Koon, who was a Circuit Court Judge and passed away from cancer in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“John's hard work and sound judgment have earned the trust of our state's co-ops and policymakers alike, and Chris has been the steady hand looking out for co-ops and their members in the judicial system.”

— Chad Lowder, CEO of Tri-County Electric Cooperative and chairman of the ECSC board

“I'm humbled by the faith that South Carolina cooperative leaders have placed in me. Electric cooperatives represent neighbors working together to make their communities better, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve.”

— John Frick

“Reliable and affordable power is critical to rural South Carolina. We're going to do everything we can to fight for our members' interests.”

— Chris Koon

What’s next

Frick and Koon will officially assume their new roles on May 1, 2026, leading the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina as it navigates industry changes and continues to serve its 2 million members across the state.

The takeaway

The promotions of Frick and Koon, with their deep experience and commitment to the electric cooperative model, position the organization well to advocate for its members and ensure reliable, affordable power reaches rural communities throughout South Carolina.