For immediate release: 4/11/09

Bartlett appointed to GRDA Board of Directors

Vinita – Tulsan Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr. president of Keener Oil & Gas Company, began his service on the Grand River Dam Authority Board of Directors at its April 9 meeting. Bartlett has been appointed to the GRDA Board by Oklahoma Senate President Pro-Tempore Glenn Coffee. He replaces outgoing board member Pete Regan, a Tulsa attorney who is resigning his GRDA position to serve on the Oklahoma Transportation Commission. Regan was appointed to that position by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.

“Mr. Regan made some wonderful contributions to GRDA during his time on the board,” said GRDA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Easley. “No doubt he will take those leadership skills on to other areas of service for Oklahoma.”

Though he is leaving the GRDA post, Regan called his time with GRDA valuable. “I appreciate the strong tone of professionalism and vision at GRDA.  It is a dynamic organization and I am honored to have worked with the team,” said Regan. “As a member of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission I look forward to promoting this part of our state. A solid working relationship with the GRDA team will be invaluable as we work hand in hand to serve the same communities. There is a lot of synergy and ample opportunity to work together in the future.”

Regan’s successor, Bartlett, earned a B.S. degree in Accounting from Regis College in Denver in 1969. He also received a MBA degree in Finance from SMU in Dallas in 1971. His expertise and experience in the Oklahoma oil and gas industry is extensive. He first joined Keener Oil & Gas Company in 1979 and became managing partner in 1987. Prior to that, he worked in the Oklahoma oil fields and spent two years as a Landman with Beard Oil Company. 

“I realize I have big shoes to fill in replacing Peter Regan, but I am really looking forward to serving on the GRDA Board,” said Bartlett. “I have had some great experiences with other major authorities in the state and certainly understand the significant of energy issues. I hope that experience and understanding will make my time on the GRDA board a fruitful one for myself and especially GRDA customers.”

During his business career, Bartlett has held many leadership posts in various organizations. He has served as board member with the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Tulsa Community College Foundation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. He has also served on the Tulsa City Council. He currently serves as president of the National Stripper Well Association and chairman of the board for the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board. He also serves on the board of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association. Other areas of service include the America Red Cross, Tulsa Airport Authority, Frank Phillips Foundation and University of Tulsa College of Business Administration.

“I believe Mr. Bartlett’s knowledge of the oil and gas industry will be very beneficial to GRDA,” Easley said. “Our ownership in the Redbud gas-fired plant requires us to purchase large amounts of natural gas. Mr. Bartlett understands that industry very well, and the skill sets he will bring to the board will serve our ratepayers well.”

Bartlett said he hopes his role at GRDA will also be to help increase economic development opportunities and low-cost power advantages to others. “GRDA’s ability to produce inexpensive energy is a terrific advantage for Oklahoma,” he said. “I want to help grow that advantage, which can mean new jobs, more economic development and new tax dollars for the state.”

His prior service on other state agency boards, like the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, will also prove valuable to GRDA, as the agency continues its commitment to openness and accessibility. “He has helped guide other state boards and understands the need for transparency at a dynamic agency like GRDA,” said Easley. “I am thrilled that someone as highly-recognized in the energy industry as he is can join our board during this very dynamic period in GRDA history. Also, we are very appreciative of Senate President Pro-Tempore Coffee for making this board appointment. He recognizes the contributions Mr. Bartlett can make to GRDA and how that will benefit Oklahomans."

Finally, Easley said Bartlett’s familiarity with Grand Lake – his family has been property owners on the lake for many years – will also be a welcomed addition to GRDA. “Being good stewards of the natural resources under our control is a top priority for us,” said Easley, “and he understands that and recognizes the importance of proper lake management.”

A self-supporting state agency, GRDA is funded by the revenues from the sale of electricity and water instead of taxes. GRDA transmits and delivers electricity across its 24-county service area via a sophisticated energy delivery system that includes over 1,900 miles of transmission line. GRDA sells wholesale electricity to three customer classes: municipals, electric cooperatives, and industries. The agency also manages over 70,000 surface acres of water in Oklahoma, including Grand Lake and Lake Hudson.

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Grand River Dam Authority News Release

Contact: Justin Alberty, Corporate Communications Director, Grand River Dam Authority
(918) 256 5545 ext. 4418 - jalberty@grda.com - wwwgrda.com