Gene L. Merry, Chairman

Gene L. Merry was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board on November 27, 1995, by Governor Bill Graves. On October 15, 1997, Mr. Merry was reappointed to a second term by Governor Bill Graves. On June 30, 2001, Mr. Merry was reappointed to a third term by Governor Bill Graves. He was elected Chair by the five-member Board on July 31, 2001.

Mr. Merry has served on numerous, federal, state and local government boards. He is currently serving as chairman of the Coffey County Board of Commissioners and has previously served as Mayor/Councilman for the City of Burlington for eight years rejuvenating the downtown areas and starting numerous innovating programs to improve the quality of life in rural Kansas. He has served on and continues to serve on numerous community and civic boards.

Mr. Merry is a graduate of Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He and his wife have two children and reside in Burlington, Kansas.

Mr. Merry is serving a four-year term, which expires June 30, 2009.