February 10, 2010
City Manager Names Interim General Manager for Austin Energy

Austin City Manager Marc Ott announced today the appointment of Assistant City Manager Robert Goode as interim General Manager of Austin Energy, effective Feb. 26 upon the retirement of Roger Duncan.

Goode will serve during the nationwide search for a permanent General Manager for the City-owned electric utility, a process that is expected to take about four months.

Goode has served as an Assistant City Manager for Transportation Services since March 2008 with oversight over the Aviation, Code Compliance, Public Works, Solid Waste Services and Transportation departments. He has an extensive background in civil engineering, transportation and planning. 

“Robert has a proven track record as a professional manager and an expert in engineering and operations that I believe will keep AE on track during the search,” City Manager Ott said. “Most importantly, Robert is a trusted leader.

“I’m committed to finding the same kind of visionary leadership that Roger has provided and wanted to ensure that we had the right interim leader to shepherd the utility while that search takes place.” Ott said. “I feel that this interim assignment will provide stability for the utility, and ensure that there are no conflicts for potential internal candidates for the permanent job.”

Goode’s appointment comes as the search for Duncan’s permanent replacement begins in earnest.  Sessions were recently conducted with the public and other stakeholders to determine the profile characteristics for a new Austin Energy General Manager.

Mycoff, Fry and Prouse LLC, a search firm noted for utility executive placement, will help City staff in the nationwide search for potential job candidates.

Public Works Director Howard Lazarus will fill Goode’s ACM role. An interim replacement for Lazarus was not announced.

Duncan, a former two-term Austin City Council Member, joined City staff in 1989 to manage environmental and conservation services.  He moved to Austin Energy as Vice President of Conservation, Renewables and Environmental Policy in 1998, becoming General Manager in 2008.

Austin Energy is the ninth largest public power electric utility in the country with about 400,000 customers and annual revenues of more than $1 billion. The utility serves a 437 square mile area that includes Austin as well as other parts of Travis and Williamson counties.