From Coach to Boardroom: Why I Took the Call

If you know me, you probably think of me as the lacrosse coach, the nonprofit guy, or maybe even the “Twistee Treat kid.” But in 2024, I took on a very different kind of role: Board Director for Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU).

It’s a governor-appointed, unpaid position. And while I’m not in it for the money, make no mistake—it’s one of the most important and complex responsibilities I’ve ever taken on.

Public utilities aren’t flashy. You don’t see them on billboards or trending on social media. But you sure notice when the power’s out, the rates go up, or your water isn’t running.

So today, I want to pull back the curtain a bit. What does a GRU board member actually do? And why should you—yes, you—care?

GRU: More Than Just a Power Company

First off, let’s talk about what GRU actually is. It’s not just an electric company. GRU serves over 90,000 customers in Gainesville with:

• Electric power
  
• Water
  
• Wastewater
  
• Natural gas
  
• Broadband internet
  

It’s one of the few full-service municipal utilities in the country, and that means it’s locally owned and operated. We don’t answer to corporate shareholders—we answer to the people of Gainesville.

That’s where the board comes in.

What the GRU Board Actually Does

As a board member, I help oversee the entire operation. I don’t run the day-to-day (that’s the CEO’s job), but I help set direction, review performance, and ensure that the utility is serving the community’s best interest.

Here are just a few of the areas we’re responsible for:

• Budgeting: Reviewing and approving GRU’s annual budget, which runs in the hundreds of millions. We have to balance revenue with infrastructure costs, employee compensation, and long-term investments—all while keeping customer rates reasonable.
  
• Rates and Affordability: This one’s huge. We’re constantly reviewing rate structures to make sure they’re fair and sustainable. That includes evaluating electric, water, and gas rates based on usage, income level, and economic conditions.
  
• Infrastructure and Maintenance: From underground pipes to power plants, we’re talking billions of dollars in assets that need constant upkeep. One missed decision could mean major outages—or worse.
  
• Clean Energy and Climate Planning: GRU is committed to reducing carbon emissions and moving toward renewables. But we have to do that in a way that’s practical and cost-effective.
  
• Accountability: We represent the citizens. When people have concerns about billing, outages, or transparency, it’s our job to ask the tough questions and push for better service.
  

It’s Complicated… and That’s the Point

I’ll be honest—this is not an easy job. The issues we face are messy, technical, and often political. Sometimes you’re weighing environmental goals against economic realities. Other times, you’re deciding whether to approve a rate increase that helps fund critical repairs… but might burden families already struggling.

You’ve got to dig deep. You’ve got to read reports, ask tough questions, and be willing to challenge assumptions. You’ve also got to listen—not just to engineers and financial analysts, but to the people whose lights flicker during storms and who see utility bills cut into their grocery money.

Public Trust Is the Real Power

At the end of the day, GRU isn’t just about megawatts or water meters—it’s about trust.

We are stewards of a public asset. The people of Gainesville own this utility, and we’re responsible for making sure it’s run responsibly, efficiently, and with compassion.

That means being transparent. It means explaining difficult decisions. It means being available—not hiding behind titles or bureaucracy.

I don’t take that lightly.

Why It Matters to You

You might not think about your utility very often (until there’s a problem), but it plays a role in nearly everything you do:

• Turning on the AC during a Florida summer
  
• Cooking dinner with natural gas
  
• Taking a hot shower
  
• Running a small business that needs broadband
  
• Flushing the toilet
  

That’s GRU. And how well it’s managed affects your wallet, your health, and even your home’s value.

When utilities are mismanaged, people suffer. When they’re well run, they create a foundation for equity, growth, and sustainability.

Why I Serve

I didn’t get into this because I had a background in engineering or utility law. I got into it because I care about Gainesville. I care about service, transparency, and helping this city thrive.

I bring a common-sense perspective. I ask the questions regular folks would ask. I push for clarity and always keep the average resident in mind.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. And I’m proud to represent them on the board.

Powering Forward

Being a GRU board member isn’t glamorous. Most of the time, it’s reading, listening, and navigating complex decisions. But it’s necessary. It’s about making sure Gainesville’s backbone stays strong, resilient, and fair.

So the next time you flip on a light switch or pour a glass of water, remember—there’s a team of folks behind that moment. I’m honored to be one of them.

If you’ve got questions, concerns, or just want to understand more about how your utility works—reach out. That’s part of my job too.

And trust me: I’ll keep showing up.