KUA Board of Directors
The Kissimmee Utility Authority's board of directors sets policy
direction for the utility. Specifically, the board approves the annual budget,
sets rates and approves major purchases.
The board also selects a general manager who is responsible for
day-to-day operations of the utility. The board holds regular business meetings
on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm. Workshop meetings, generally
devoted to a single subject, are held on an as-needed basis. In addition, board
members represent the utility in various local, regional and national
organizations.
(standing, left to right) Reginald Hardee,
assistant secretary; Jim Swan, mayor of Kissimmee; Grant
Lacerte, vice president and general counsel; Nancy Gemskie,
chair; Jim Kasper, secretary; Dr. George Gant,
director; (seated, left to right) Fred Cumbie, vice chair;
Jim Welsh, president and general manager.
Board Member Biographical Information
Nancy F. Gemskie
Chair
Nancy Gemskie is a retired insurance executive
and a Kissimmee resident since 1995. Gemskie currently serves on the American
Public Power Association's Policy Makers Council as well as other board and
committee positions with APPA, the Florida Municipal Electric Association and
the Florida Municipal Power Agency. Nancy was the 2009 recipient of APPA's
Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award and was named FMEA's Member of the
Year in 2004. Gemskie joined the board in 2000.
Fred H. Cumbie, Jr.
Vice Chair
Fred Cumbie is president of the law firm Overstreet Miles Ritch & Cumbie,
P.A., and holds degrees from Florida State University College of Law and the
University of South Florida. Cumbie is a 36-year resident of Osceola County and
past president of the Osceola County Council on Aging, Inc. Cumbie joined the
board in 2003.
James R. Kasper
Secretary
Jim Kasper is owner of Kasper Real Estate in Orlando. He holds a
degree from Orlando Junior College and is a 40-year resident of Kissimmee.
Kasper currently serves on Osceola County's Industrial Development Board and
previously served on the City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Board. Kasper
joined the board in 2004.
Reginald L. Hardee
Assistant Secretary
Reginald Hardee joined the board in 2007. He is an information
technology manager for the state of Florida, and is a 10-year resident of
Osceola County. Hardee attended the University of Florida and is active in
Kissimmee Masonic Lodge #68 and the Bethel AME Church.
Dr. George Gant
Director
Dr. George Gant is the former mayor of Kissimmee and retired
medical director of the Osceola County Health Department. He holds a doctor of
medicine degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine, and is a
48-year resident of Kissimmee.
Mayor Jim Swan
Ex officio
Mayor Jim Swan was re-elected in November 2008. His term is 11/08
through 11/12. He is a municipal marketing and contract manager in the solid
waste industry. Mayor Swan works towards improving water quality in Lake
Tohopekaliga, Served as Metroplan Chairman, supported the Osceola Council on
Aging as a board member and was awarded Water Conservationist of the Year in
1980 by the Florida Wildlife Federation.
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