Board of Directors
Gus Collins, Board President
Director of Utilities, City of Winfield
Term Expires December 2021
Gus Collins is currently serving as a Director of Utilities for the City of Winfield, KS since August 2014. A native of Emporia, KS, Gus earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Emporia State University. Prior to accepting the position in Winfield, Gus served as City Manager of Wellington, KS for eight years. Gus has over 35 years of local government experience. His hobbies include golfing, hunting, fishing, time with family, including extended family, and watching any, and all, sport related activities.
Scott Glaves, Board 1st Vice President
Superintendent of Utilities, Clay Center Public Utilities
Term Expires December 2021
Scott Glaves has served as Superintendent of Utilities for the Clay Center Public Utility Commission since April of 2017. Scott started with the CCPUC in 2005 as an apprentice lineman. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in Criminology/Sociology and an Associates from Manhattan Area Technical College in Electric Power and Distribution. Scott enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing. He and his wife Amy, have two boys, Brigham and Brady.
Jason Newberry, Board 2nd Vice President
Assistant City Manager for Utilities and IT, City of Wellington
Term Expires December 2021
Jason is a native of Wellington, KS and has worked for the city in various roles for over 20 years; currently serving as Assistant City Manager for Utilities and IT. Jason received his Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University and takes great pride in serving the public with a passion for local government. Jason and his wife Whitney have two children, Baylee and Easton. In his down time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and whatever project the kids come up with for the weekend.
Lou Thurston, Board Secretary
Mayor, City of Hillsboro
Term Expires December 2024
Lou Thurston is a native Kansan. He received a degree in Public Affairs from Emporia State University. Early in his career he served in the City Manager’s office in Emporia. Called away from public service to work in his family’s manufacturing business, he has held numerous sales, marketing, and management positions. Currently he is employed in the label and packaging industry as an Account Executive for Grace Label, Inc. Lou has served the community of Hillsboro for many years, serving for 14 years as a board member on the Hillsboro Development Corporation and currently serving a second term as Mayor of Hillsboro, KS. Lou is married to his wife Lori. They have two children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. In his spare time, he loves to travel and follow his grandkids sporting endeavors. Lou is a serious reader (his wife calls it an addiction) and loves to study US History.
John Wheeler, Board Member
Former City Council Member, City of Marion
Term Expires December 2021
John Wheeler was elected to the KPP Board of Directors in 2018. He has served on Marion’s Planning & Zoning committee for 4 years, and on the Airport Advisory Board for 4 years. John has been in the lumber industry for 23+ years. He started his career in Idaho during college, transferred to northern Illinois, and currently works for his son and brother at The Building Center in Marion, KS. John and his wife Megan have 3 children, Morgan, Aspen and Gunnar.
Rex Reynolds, Board Member
City Council Member, City of Mount Hope
Term Expires December 2023
Rex Reynolds is currently a Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer with Legacy Bank in Wichita, KS. Rex is familiar and well respected in west Sedgwick County where he has spent 30+ years in banking. He and his family currently reside in Mount Hope, KS – their home for over 25 years. Rex has been a member of the KPP Board of Directors since 2016 and has been a member of the Mount Hope City Council since April 2005. In that capacity he has been the Electric Commissioner for the majority of that time. He also participates and supports many community initiatives and activities.
Tim Johnson, Board Member
Director of Public Utilities, Augusta, KS
Term Expires December 2024
Tim Johnson is the Director of Public Utilities in Augusta, KS. With almost 30 years of experience in local government, Tim has served in numerous cities throughout Kansas in areas of city management, budget and finance, community development as well as in water and wastewater utility administration. Tim earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration – both from Wichita State University. As well, he earned a Master of Arts from Gonzaga University in Organizational Leadership. Tim and his wife Brenda love spending as much time as possible with their four children and nine grandchildren, working in their yard, and traveling.
Chris Komarek, Board Member
City Administrator, Ellinwood, KS
Term Expires December 2024
Chris Komarek has served as City Administrator in Ellinwood, KS since 2016 and has been employed by the City for more than 4 decades. His administration duties are preceded by his electrical experience. For 36 years, Chris worked in the City’s electrical distribution department – 9 years as its Superintendent. During his tenure with Ellinwood, Chris has been a strong supporter of KPP serving as a city delegate to KPP’s Membership Committee. He has helped KPP formulate operating policy and practices pertaining to power supply, transmission adequacy, member services and the introduction of emerging technologies as part of the KPP portfolio. Chris enjoys spending most of his spare time at the volunteer fire department. Also, hunting and fishing are always things he looks forward to when time allows. Chris has two boys with three grandchildren and one on the way. He and his fiancé Alexandra enjoy traveling and tend to hit areas that are known to be haunted!
