Finklea to advise statewide power agency and local municipals on electric utility issues

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 22, 2017 – Florida Municipal Power Agency’s (FMPA) Board of Directors selected Jody Lamar Finklea as its next General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, replacing Fred Bryant, who announced his plans last month to retire.

“FMPA is fortunate to have someone with Jody’s knowledge and expertise,” said Bill Conrad, FMPA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Jody has a deep understanding of Florida law and its application to utilities and cities. He knows FMPA’s business in depth, making this transition seamless.”

Finklea joined FMPA in 2001 and has held several positions during his tenure. Most recently, he served as Deputy General Counsel and Manager of Legal Affairs.

As FMPA’s General Counsel, Finklea will continue to represent the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), as requested by FMEA and its Board of Directors, on utility issues that could impact members of both organizations. Most of FMPA’s members are also members of FMEA, so this partnership provides value to both organizations.

Finklea holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Florida and a juris doctor degree from The Florida State University College of Law. He is admitted to The Florida Bar and is board certified as an expert in city, county and local government law.

Finklea is active in the American Public Power Association (APPA) and serves as the 2017 Chairman of APPA’s Legal Section. In 2011, Finklea was recognized by APPA as a Rising Star in Public Power. He holds a rating of AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell peer review attorney ratings.

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Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power agency owned by 31 municipal electric utilities. FMPA’s mission is to provide power that is competitively priced, reliable and clean, as well as provide value-added services for its owner-customers. The 31 members of FMPA serve approximately two million Floridians and employ nearly 3,300 people.