Midwestern utility executive tapped to lead Santee Cooper

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (AP) — A utility executive with experience overseeing Midwestern gas and electric operations will serve as the next head of South Carolina’s state-owned utility.

The board of Santee Cooper approved Thursday the hiring of Jimmy Staton as the utility’s next president and CEO.

Staton currently leads the Kentucky-based gas company Southern Star Corp. and has more than three decades of experience working in the energy industry. He said he owns a home in North Myrtle Beach and is a customer of Santee Cooper.

The board screened 27 candidates before selecting Staton, who is replacing retiring head Mark Bonsall.

Staton will receive an annual base salary of $1.4 million subject to approval by the state Agency Head Salary Commission.

He is slated to start the new job on March 1.