Finance department sees personnel changes
In January, long-time SLVREC employee Chief Financial Officer JoAn Waudby retired setting about a series of changes in the finance department.
James Romero
After 10 years with SLVREC, James Romero was named Chief Financial Officer in mid-March. He began in customer service and transitioned into an accountant position in March 2021. James graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Adams State University in 2013 and an MBA from Adams State University in 2022.
In the CFO position, James will focus on financial forecasting, budgeting, annual audits, cash management, financial reporting, financial analysis and cost of service study/rate design.
James commented, “I enjoy the chase of learning something new and raising the bar for myself regarding advancing and progressing my skills in the electric and broadband industry.”
He believes it will be challenging to balance the expectations and requirements of the new position while also training the new additions in the finance department. “But having an asset like Carol to work side by side with has helped tremendously,” said James.
James enjoys spending time with his wife Jasmine and daughters, Jamiyah (7) and Jalayah (4). He is a Valley native and has many hobbies including being a car enthusiast, weightlifting, playing in a local basketball league, coaching his daughter’s youth sports and road tripping with his family when they can get away!
Carol Silva
In Carol Silva’s 25th year with SLVREC, she has been promoted to the Controller position. In this new title, Carol will supervise the accountants and warehouse personnel; manage the annual financial audit process; assist in strategic planning and more. She will also continue to maintain payroll, capital credits and assist in benefit administration.
Carol is enjoying the opportunity to learn more and broaden her knowledge in the accounting world. She’s also looking forward to getting to know her new team better and working with the finance department. “It may be challenging to manage employees while keeping up with my new responsibilities, in addition to continuing with some of my previous tasks, but I’m up for the challenge,” Carol stated.
Carol has lived in the Valley since 1990; she enjoys traveling, reading and crafts, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Mary Davis
Mary Davis, who has been an SLVREC customer service representative for 10 years, transitioned into the finance department as an accountant in early April.
She is enjoying the challenge of learning new skills and being a part of a new team. “We’re all learning and working together to make the best team possible,” Mary commented. “With the new tasks, challenges and learning many new things, I’m adapting what I know from my CSR position to my new role.”
Mary has been married to Scott for 30 years and has two sons and three grandchildren. She loves to ride horses, read books, garden and travel to new places with Scott. Mary has lived in the Valley since 1995.
“I am looking forward to being a part of this new department and am honored to work with everyone on this team!” Mary said
Brenna Studer
Valley native Brenna Studer joined the finance team in early April as an accountant as well. She comes to REC from Del Norte Bank where she spent the past six years working in accounting. Her experience there in month- and year-end closing processes; payroll; board report preparation and forensic accounting prepped her to step into the role at SLVREC. Here she’s tasked with preparing financial statements, recording transactions, cashflow management, accounts payable, accounts receivable and more.
“I have always been intrigued and drawn to REC, since I joined the actual workforce. The reputation, sustainability and longevity that the company withholds stands as a dream job for someone working for a lifelong commitment to a career,” said Brenna.
She commented, “I love that I feel trusted. The energy and welcome nature that everyone in this company has provided is a real breath of fresh air. I also love the fast pace and eagerness to delegate the workload.”
Brenna has found her unfamiliarity with REC’s equipment challenging when learning which budget accounts to post invoices to, etc. Also, it’s been slightly difficult for her to learn new ways of doing similar duties to her previous job after doing it for so long, but she’s learning.
Brenna grew up in Saguache where her grandparents still reside. She’s married to Andrew, and they have a 17-year-old adopted son (her nephew) who will graduate next year, along with two adopted fur babies. She graduated from Moffat Consolidated School District and Adams State University with a degree in business administration, emphasis in management and accounting.
“I’m happy to be here; it’s so nice feeling wanted and appreciated,” Brenna stated.