KUA Board Elects Officers; Welcomes New Board Member

During its monthly meeting held Wednesday, the Kissimmee Utility Authority board of directors welcomed a new board member and held its annual election of officers.

Melissa Thacker, a Sr. Project Manager at Balfour Beatty US and a Kissimmee native of 30 years, took the oath of office to begin a five-year term on the board, which will expire Sept. 30, 2029. Thacker was appointed to the board by the City of Kissimmee commission in June.

In addition, the board elected:

Chairman: Manuel Ortega
Vice Chairman: Rae Hemphill
Secretary: Ethel Urbina
Assistant Secretary: Reginald Hardee
Director: Melissa Thacker

The five-member board sets policy direction for the utility. Specifically, the board approves annual budgets, sets rates and approves major purchases. The board also directs the president and general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations of the utility.