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New Braunfels Utilities Announces Ryan Kelso as Incoming CEO

(New Braunfels, TX – December 20, 2023) – The Board of Trustees at New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) is excited to announce a significant development in the search for the organization’s next CEO. After a thorough process, Ryan Kelso, the current Interim CEO, has emerged as the clear front-runner to lead NBU into its next chapter.

The decision to extend an offer to Ryan Kelso was made after carefully considering his exemplary leadership and dedication to NBU. Ryan is recognized for his strong reputation in integrity, work ethic, and leadership. His proven track record includes key roles since joining NBU in 2015, such as Control Center Supervisor, Systems Control Manager, Director of Water Services, Chief Operations Officer, and, most recently, Interim CEO.

“Ryan Kelso’s appointment as CEO is a testament to his outstanding leadership skills and unwavering dedication to NBU. I am confident that under his guidance, NBU will continue to thrive and serve our community with excellence,” said Wayne Peters, NBU Board President.

The selection process, initiated in October, involved engaging NBU employees and the community through a survey conducted by Baker Tilly, with nearly 200 participants sharing insights on the qualities they wished to see in the new CEO. The application process attracted 42 applicants, leading to 15 candidates participating in the first round of interviews. Five well-qualified individuals progressed to the second round, where discussions in live interviews delved into crucial aspects such as risk aversion, work-life balance, futuristic thinking, and the unique characteristics each candidate would bring to NBU.

“Our community’s input has been invaluable in selecting NBU’s next CEO. The engagement and feedback from both our employees and the public have played a crucial role in this decision-making process,” added Mayor Neal Linnartz of the City of New Braunfels.

On behalf of the NBU Board, Judith Hoffmann, Vice President, expressed her support for Ryan, stating, “I am confident that Ryan Kelso’s leadership will contribute to the continued success of NBU and benefit our community at large. Congratulations to Ryan on this well-deserved achievement.”

Ryan Kelso expressed his gratitude and commitment to NBU, stating, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of CEO at NBU. I am deeply committed to the success of our organization and the well-being of our community. Together with the incredible team at NBU, I am confident that we will continue to make progress towards the NBU vision of being a trusted community partner dedicated to excellence.”

The next step includes finalizing the CEO Agreement through contract negotiations, scheduled for completion in January. The NBU Board anticipates presenting the CEO Agreement for consideration at the January 2024 Board meeting.

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About New Braunfels Utilities:
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) strives to be a trusted community partner dedicated to excellence in service and is one of 2,000 community-owned, nonprofit public power electric utilities in the nation.  With a mission of strengthening our community by providing resilient essential services, NBU is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of residents appointed by the New Braunfels City Council. New Braunfels Utilities provides electric, water, and wastewater services.  Utility revenues are continually invested back into the systems of the customers, which benefits the community.  New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police, and parks.  Follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on Twitter at @nbutexas, and to learn more, visit nbutexas.com.