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May 29, 2009 | Barry Johnson retires from Thomas Hill Energy CenterContact : Nancy Southworth 417.885.9246 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Barry Johnson of Chillicothe retired earlier this spring after 23 years at Thomas Hill Energy Center, owned by Associated Electric Cooperative, where he was principal engineer. Johnson joined the plant in 1986 as a results engineer, later becoming engineering/planning coordinator and finally principal engineer in 2008. In those positions, he was integrally involved in plant performance and reliability projects, including major equipment overhauls and boiler repairs, and was responsible for maintenance planning and engineering supervision. Last year, Johnson helped to oversee completion of the plant’s $424 million environmental controls project, which added equipment on all three units to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions 90 percent systemwide. The project is part of the cooperative’s $1 billion investment in the last 15 years to improve air quality. Looking back on his career, Johnson said, “I had the opportunity to work on many interesting and challenging projects that were very rewarding. All those projects have been successful. That was very gratifying.” Those projects included conversion to Powder River Basin coal in the 1990s to reduce emissions and later the addition of overfire air systems and low-NOx burners to further improve air quality and reduce costs. Early in his engineering career, Johnson worked briefly for the Tennessee Valley Authority, then moved to Iowa and worked 12 years for Stanley Consultants. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1971. In 1999, he earned a master’s degree in business administration from William Woods University in Columbia through Associated’s educational assistance program. In addition to more golf and family time, Johnson plans to do some consulting, as well as possibly teach. Associated Electric Cooperative (Associated) is owned by and provides wholesale power to six regional and 51 local electric cooperative systems in Missouri, southeast Iowa and northeast Oklahoma that serve more than 850,000 customers. Associated’s mission is to provide an economical and reliable power supply and support services to its members. Associated is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Released: 29 May 2009 |
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