Messersmith began work at Oglethorpe Power in 1991 as the assistant plant manager at the Rocky Mountain Hydroelectric Plant near Rome, Ga., and was promoted to plant manager in 1994. In January 2001, he was promoted to director of plant operations. He became vice president, plant operations in March 2002.
He has been working in the power generation industry for 33 years, after starting his career with Public Service Indiana (formerly Cinergy, and now Duke Energy) at the Gibson Generating Station. He also served as the operations superintendent and startup manager at the St. Johns River Power Park in Jacksonville, Fla.
Messersmith holds a BS degree in accounting from Indiana State University and a Masters in business administration from the University of Evansville. He and his wife Tonia currently live near Lawrenceville, Georgia.
"It is an exciting time to be a part of the generation industry, and I welcome this opportunity to contribute my technical knowledge, experience and leadership to help bring value to our Member Systems as we address the changing industry and future power generation needs," Messersmith said.
Oglethorpe Power Corporation is a $4.9 billion power supply cooperative serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) in Georgia. These EMCs provide electric service to about 4 million Georgians throughout the state.
