HAYS — Sunflower Electric Power Corp. has promoted Patrick Wheaton to manager of generation operations. He succeeds Shane Donovan, who is retiring at year’s end. 

Wheaton will be responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of Sunflower’s generation resources. He will manage Sunflower’s generation operations staff, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations and fostering successful working relationships in support of Sunflower’s mission. 

With Sunflower since 2009, he served as the supervisor of operations and training, where he was instrumental in advancing Sunflower’s training program(s), primarily for new Sunflower employees in generation operations.

Wheaton has a favorite saying: “You can’t change something if you don’t change something. Place yourself within reach of opportunities and take them when they are present.” 

“I am thankful for the way Sunflower supports the growth and development of its employees,” he said. “I worked to prepare myself for this transition if and when it came to fruition, and I’m very appreciative for the opportunity.”

A southwest Kansas native, Wheaton lives in Garden City, with his wife Misty, and daughters, Jaelyn and Jordyn.

With Wheaton’s promotion, Sunflower will seek to backfill the operations and training supervisor position. Additional information about the position and recruitment process may be found at www.sunflower.net. 

For more information, contact Katelyn Dickinson, human resources supervisor, at 785-623-3319.