Johnson - Richard Simays, Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) Mapping System Supervisor, retired on June 3, 2011 after 46 years of employment at the Coop. Richard began his career at VEC during the summer of 1962 when he was hired as a part-time employee. In 1965, he became a full- time Groundman and worked his way through a variety of positions. Shortly after being hired, he became a certified Lineman and then was promoted to Working Foreman. He continued to obtain increased responsibility and during 46 years of employment he oversaw Line Construction, Fleet & Purchasing, Dispatch, System Operations, Environmental Compliance, Substation Maintenance, and Vegetation Management.
Richard was instrumental in implementing several key initiatives that have contributed to the Cooperative’s success. Perhaps most significantly, he created VEC’s Geographic Information System (GIS) which captures and displays the geographic location of VEC’s electric facilities, as well as detailed information regarding electric equipment. Richard assisted in the connection of VEC’s Geographic Information System to VEC’s Outage Management System which allows VEC to pinpoint its outages in a timely manner and allows members access to up-to-date information on VEC’s Outage Center webpage. The Cooperative attributes the beginning of its “smart grid” implementation to these initiatives. Richard also introduced several safety training initiatives to VEC such as Line Worker Safety Training.
Known at the Cooperative for being a man of tradition, Richard is recognized by his peers in the electric utility industry as an ever-friendly and supportive co-worker. Richard will be missed by all at VEC.
Richard met his wife, Lorraine, at VEC in 1969. They married in 1970 and raised two children, Barry and Pam, in the town of Johnson. Richard is active in his community and has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for over 25 years. He also served as a member of the Town of Johnson Selectboard for over 15 years, many of which he served as chairman, and was a member of the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Advisory Board.