Electric Utility Director Duane Banks Announces Intent to Retire
Electric Utility Director Duane Banks has announced his intent to retire on March 1, 2023 after a 32-year career with the City of Russell. He marked his 24th year with the Electric Utility this year.
"Duane has spent more than three decades serving the Russell community, including the 50 square miles of rural electric service territory. He cares about his department, the safety of his employees and providing reliable service to our customers. In addition to his administrative duties, you will find Duane working alongside his team in the power plant, on a job site and in the field when severe weather, fire or other instances jeopardize the system," said Russell City Manager Jon Quinday. "Duane is a leader who takes more than his share of the blame when something goes wrong and quickly gives his team credit when things go well."
Banks began his career in Russell in 1990, starting as a police officer until 1998, when he moved to the Electric Utility Department as an electric technician. He advanced as the department's computer technician and then power plant superintendent. In 2004 he was appointed the Electric Utility Director.
During his tenure as Electric Utility Director, Banks has initiated and overseen many projects enhancing the city's ability to serve its customers, including the addition of a new sub-station adding three electrical circuits, the addition of a 34.5 kV loop, installation of smart meters and the recently approved, multi-year reconstruction of the electric distribution system within the City limits.
In addition to the electric utility's work to improve the reliability of the system's 50 square mile service area, Banks has been instrumental in the City's successful integration into the Southwest Power Pool wholesale electricity market. Replacing high-cost purchase power agreements with lower-cost agreements such as the Buckeye Wind Farm and Dogwood Energy Facility and success in the integrated market allowed the city to lower energy rates in April 2020.
Banks served 16 years on the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency Board of Directors, with eight on the Executive Committee and four years as the Board President. He has served 14 years on the Kansas Municipal Utility Board of Directors and is currently the Second Vice President. In 2013, KMEA presented Banks with the prestigious Max Embree Award. KMEA presents this award to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and devoted service to public power in the State of Kansas.
Banks and his wife Kathy have six children, Dani, Kristi, Brandon, Jaidyn, Abi and Ellie, along with five grandchildren. He is active in the community serving on the Russell-Grant Fire Department since 1998, a member of the Elks Lodge, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
"On behalf of the City of Russell employees, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for his decades of service to the community. Your leadership translated vision into reality," said Quinday.
Details about the recruitment of the next Electric Utility Director will be released in the coming weeks.
(Information and photo courtesy City of Russell.)