Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc. CEO and leadership

After practicing law for over 20 years in two global law firms, James founded Deacon Law Group so he could more efficiently serve his energy clients who were hit particularly hard by Winter Storm Uri. DLG sought to help its clients and the communities within which they operated to thrive by helping them overcome legal challenges as they pursued excellence in their businesses and personal lives. His mechanical engineering degree and experience as a production supervisor, quality control manager, and former Partner-in-Charge of the Austin office of a global top-10 law firm allowed him to develop creative, cost-effective solutions while building relationships with and cultivating cooperation among key stakeholders and decisionmakers.

In his private practice, James counseled energy clients on a broad range of matters including litigation, regulatory compliance and enforcement, policymaking, and due diligence and counseling for project development and business transactions. James served utilities, power marketers, energy managers, retail electric providers, power generation companies, and energy storage providers, as well as project developers and end-use customers.

• Former Partner-in-Charge of the Austin office of Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP in the Energy Group

• Former associate with Fulbright & Jaworski LLP (now Norton Rose Fulbright) in the Environmental

Section

• Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America in the area of energy regulatory

law (2020)

• Recognized by Chambers USA: Guide to Leading Business Lawyers in the area of energy: state r

regulatory and litigation (2017-2021)

• Recognized by The Legal 500 United States in the area of energy: regulatory (2015, 2019-2021)

• Named to The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of energy law (2013-2022) and energy regulatory

law (2017-2022)

As General Counsel and Chief Legal & Compliance Officer of Golden Spread, James currently assists the organization in serving its members consistent with the Seven Cooperative Principles and Golden Spread’s core mission and values.

James grew up in south Alabama and west Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He later graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and, in addition to his work as a lawyer, enjoys discipling youth in extra-curricular activities. James and his wife, Catherine, have six children and, before relocating to Amarillo, lived near Rockne, Texas.

Bill Harrelson is a Chief Legal Ofcr/General Counsel at Golden Spread Electric Cooperative Inc.

Margaret (Peg) Rupert is a Chief Strategy and Information Officer at Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc. and is based in Amarillo Texas Area. She has worked as Director of Solution Development & Program Management at CONSUMERS ENERGY CO, SAP Program Integration Director at CONSUMERS ENERGY CO, and Director of Business Relationship Management at CONSUMERS ENERGY CO. Margaret works or has worked as VP & CIO at Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc..