After an impressive 39-year career dedicated to Dixie Electric, Joe Donald is hanging up his hard hat as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. Joining the company in October of 1983 as a general helper in the warehouse, Joe's journey at Dixie Electric has been nothing short of remarkable.
Over the years, Joe transitioned through various roles, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the company's success. Starting as a lineman, he later took on responsibilities as a staking technician before culminating his career as the Safety Manager. In his role as Safety Manager, Joe played a crucial part in ensuring the well-being of all employees and members, implementing energy-efficient practices through the Comfort Advantage Program and energy audits, and ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations.
“Joe and I worked together a lot after I took the HR role,” said Human Resources Supervisor Jarrod Hennis. “I appreciated Joe’s experience and admired how he dealt with tough situations. Joe could reprimand someone over a safety violation in a way that both parties could respect and not leave upset. That’s a special skill that’s not easy to obtain.”
Throughout his tenure, Joe witnessed significant transformations at Dixie Electric. Notable among these were the establishment of DE Fastlink, the company's fiber subsidiary, technological advancements, heightened safety regulations, and the upgrade of equipment for linemen.
Joe's legacy at Dixie Electric is intertwined with pivotal moments, including his contributions during storm restorations after Hurricane Katrina, the Glade tornado in 1987, and the Easter tornado of 2020. Through each of these challenging experiences, Joe showcased his dedication and resilience.
“Joe was the first person at Dixie whose full-time job was safety,” said General Manager Randy Smith. “He drastically improved our safety culture by investing time and energy in our linemen. He was passionate about safety and consistently stressed how important it is. He could get on to you if he needed to but was also very good at doing it in a way that was respectful to the other person while still getting his point across.”
Reflecting on his retirement, Joe expressed that what he would miss the most is the deep camaraderie and relationships with his colleagues. He emphasized the strength of having a supportive group that is always there for one another, both personally and professionally.
As Joe steps into retirement, he plans to spend quality time with family, pursue his passion for fishing, and indulge in some well-deserved travel. Alongside his wife, Connie, he is an active member of Salem Heights Baptist Church.
When asked about advice for his colleagues, Joe offered these words: "Be thankful for the opportunity to build a career at Dixie Electric and take pride in the fact that this is your career. Be a friend to your coworkers and continue to lift them up and bear their burdens. Be safe, always!"