Lee
Special to the
Opelika Observer
Derek Lee, former ranking official of Opelika Power Services is returning as OPS sssistant director and manager of distribution services, according to a City of Opelika announcement. Lee’s new contract for his services was approved by the Opelika City Council at the May 19 meeting and he will begin his new assignment on June 1.
“I’m very pleased to have Derek back with OPS,” Mayor Gary Fuller stated. “He played a major role in our fiber to the premises project which led to Opelika becoming Alabama’s first gig city. Even when he was working out of state they [the Lee family] continued to live here. It’s great to have Derek, Heather and their beautiful children back in the OPS family.”
Lee left his previous position at OPS in the spring of 2012 to pursue a position in the private industry. After three years of extensive traveling which took him away from his home and family, though, he decided home is where he wanted to be.
“I would like to thank Mayor Fuller, David Horton, City Administrator Joey Motley and the City Council for giving me this opportunity to return,” Lee said. “Opelika is home. I love this community; my church is here; my kids’ schools are here; our friends are here. I am excited to have the chance to once again serve this great community and the opportunity to come back to OPS. It will be great to work with David, my former teammates, and the new members of the team, too! I am also looking forward to where this Department is headed and what all OPS is going to be able to accomplish through the fiber to the premise technology! We are Alabama’s first Gig City, and that has opened up a whole realm of opportunities and possibilities! ”
OPS Director, David Horton, is delighted with Derek’s return to the Opelika Power Service team as well. “I have known Derek for quite a few years and I appreciate his work ethic and what he has to offer to OPS and our team. He is coming to us when we really need him. Derek and I worked well together when he was President of the South Alabama Public Power Association (SAPPA) and I was the Secretary-Treasurer. We will surely make a great team for the city of Opelika and OPS. I am looking forward to working with him again.”