James Guy returns as EBA Southern Chapter president
November 2024
by Marin Sanders, Staff Writer
James “Jim” Guy
When James “Jim” Guy II joined Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative as general counsel over a decade ago, he brought a wealth of legal expertise to the cooperative and its affiliates. Now, as a critical figure at MEC with a deep understanding of the industry, he returns to a familiar role as president of the Energy Bar Association’s Southern Chapter for the 2024-25 term, a position he held in 2010-11.
His return reflects his dedication to the energy sector and a unique understanding of how evolving energy regulations affect communities. As head of MEC’s legal team and its affiliates, EMPOWER Broadband and EMPOWER Telecom, he’s spent years championing fair and forward-thinking policies for MEC’s membership. Today, he steps back into a leadership role for the Southern Chapter, aiming to amplify the cooperative values defining MEC’s energy approach.
The Energy Bar Association, with seven U.S. chapters and one in Canada, provides a crucial platform for attorneys and energy professionals. Its Southern Chapter, which spans 11 states from Alabama to West Virginia, tackles issues close to home for the communities MEC serves, such as policies on renewable energy, evolving regulations, and the impact of climate initiatives on local economies.
“There are many significant concerns that have long-lasting effects on the energy industry and, most importantly, its impact on our membership,” says MEC President and CEO Casey Logan. “With Jim’s legal expertise and his experience in the electric cooperative industry, he will no doubt remain a distinguished leader, collaborator and mentor among the energy lawyers representing the southern U.S. We are proud of his stepping up and taking on this important role.”
Guy’s commitment to cooperative values goes beyond his title and duties at MEC, and his calling to lead is evident throughout his career. Guy served as the vice president of the Southern Chapter for the 2023-2024 term. He currently serves as board chairman for the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board and was a partner at Williams Mullen Law in Richmond, Va., before joining MEC. Guy is also involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, serving as board chair of its Virginia Chapter for two years.
Whether he’s tackling regulatory issues, guiding MEC’s legal strategy or serving the broader community, Guy’s experience and cooperative values make him well-suited to lead in this critical era for the industry, representing MEC and partners as they navigate today’s evolving energy landscape. As he steps back into his presidency, Guy’s legacy reflects a belief in keeping everyday Virginians at the heart of the energy discussion, advocating for sustainable, balanced policies that reflect the energy industry’s needs and the cooperative spirit that MEC embodies.