Brad Hicks is the Vice President of Engineering & Energy Innovations at Pedernales Electric Cooperative, in Johnson City, Texas, which is the largest distribution electric co-op in the United States, serving approximately 287,000 meters in an 8,100 square-mile service area. Mr. Hicks has 23 years of experience in the energy industry, having worked for municipalities, distribution cooperatives and a G&T cooperative where he served as Executive Vice President. Mr. Hicks is a professional engineer in multiple states and is involved with various research groups throughout the U.S. and is also a member of NRECA’s Transmission & Distribution Strategies, Management Advisory Group. Mr. Hicks holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University and also has his MBA. In Mr. Hicks’ current endeavor, he will continue to oversee all engineering and maintenance functions at PEC and evaluating and implementing new and emerging technologies.