Easton Utilities has named John J. Horner, Jr. as the next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Hugh Grunden who retires on July 1. “John’s extensive knowledge in the energy/utility sector, strong business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills made him the ideal choice to lead Easton Utilities into the next chapter,” states W.W. “Buck” Duncan, Chairman of the Easton Utilities Commission.
In this role, Horner will provide strategic leadership for the seven diverse businesses to assure operational excellence and the safe delivery of reliable services with exceptional customer service. “I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Commission and the entire team at Easton Utilities and look forward to navigating the bright future together,” says Horner.
Horner understands the importance of Easton Utilities’ mission “to enhance the quality of life in our community” and plans to carry out the direction and vision already in place. Easton Utilities has an impeccable reputation based on exceptional customer satisfaction, high reliability, and competitive prices. With a constant focus on safety and environmental stewardship, the 175 employees serve more than 11,000 customers in the Town of Easton and portions of Talbot County.
Horner currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Easton Utilities. His focus has been on the oversight of daily operational activities, project management and providing leadership to the multi-disciplinary teams in the organization. He was instrumental in securing the substantial grant funding of approximately $30 million needed for the Connect Talbot project to extend broadband to all unserved residents in Talbot County. “We were committed to being a solution and I am proud of the Easton Velocity team as they continue making significant progress to ensure everyone has access to broadband, which is needed now more than ever,” adds Horner.
Horner has over 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Easton Utilities in 2016 he was the director of northeast regional electric operations and director of distribution system operations (gas and electric) for BGE. Horner graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science in electrical and computer engineering and holds a Master of Business Administration from Loyola College.
He is a graduate of Leadership Maryland, Class of 2020, and a Shore Leadership alumnus. He has a philanthropic spirit and is very active in the community volunteering for numerous organizations over the years including the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, Talbot Hospice, Friends of Hospice, Tidewater Rotary, and the MD/DC Utilities Association. John lives in Easton with his wife, has two children, and enjoys all the benefits the Eastern Shore has to offer.