Linda Dunlap, our Administrative and Billing Services Manager, has decided to retire from San Patricio Electric Cooperative after 44 years of service. Her last day will be May 29.
In her time at SPEC, Linda has become the heart of the cooperative. She’s been the friendly face people see when they come by the co-op. Or the voice on the other side of the phone. In 44 years, she’s developed relationships with so many of our members. To our employees she has been a mother figure, a role model and a friend. There’s not a single person at SPEC’s office today who can say what the co-op is like without Linda. She has been at SPEC longer than anyone and she is the constant everyone can always count on.
“It is hard to imagine what San Patricio Electric Cooperative will be like without Linda. Linda has been an integral part of our co-op family for as long as anyone here can remember. Linda’s touch can be seen and felt in every aspect of our organization. She’s like the mother hen always concerned about the well-being of her covey. Always there, always willing to help and very dependable. I’ve enjoyed working with Linda and really appreciate her friendship and support. I wish Linda well and hope she knows how much she will be missed by all of us here at SPEC,” said Ron Hughes, SPEC general manager.
After her limitless dedication to the cooperative over the last four decades, there’s no one who deserves a little rest and relaxation more than Linda. She will spend her retirement with her husband of nearly 48 years. They plan to travel, fish and spend time with their family.
Linda started working for SPEC in 1971 as secretary to the manager. In her 44 years of service, she has seen the co-op through a lot. She’s worked with eight different general managers, more than a dozen board members and countless employees. She has also watched state regulations come and go.
Linda was there when SPEC got its first computer, fax machine and copier. She has seen firsthand how much technology has changed the workplace. Her job function and position has evolved through the years too. During her time at SPEC, Linda worked in the records department, handled collections and served as the office manager. Today she serves as the Administrative and Billing Services Manager, a position she has held since 1999.
In her current position, Linda manages human resources, the billing department, the metering department, the payroll department and the cashier/front counter. She also assists our General Manager, Ron Hughes, and works closely with the Board of Directors. One of her biggest tasks is planning and coordinating our Annual Members Meeting each September.
In addition to her duties at SPEC, Linda served on the Texas Rural Electric Women’s Association Board and was on the planning committee for Administrative Professionals Conferences.
A note from Linda:
“I read somewhere that retirement is when you stop living at work and begin working at living. I am looking forward to working at living with my husband Richard, daughter Stacy and her family, especially our two beautiful granddaughters Madison and Mallory, and other family and friends.
There are no words that can express what San Patricio Electric means to me. I’ve spent a lifetime here and feel such a bond with all those I’ve worked with and for, the Board of Directors and the members.”