Chesapeake Utilities Corporation announced that long‑time Chief Financial Officer Beth Cooper will retire on June 30, 2026, after 36 years of service. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Sylvester, who has been with the company since 2004, will assume the CFO role effective July 1, 2026, ensuring a seamless transition with no leadership gap.
Beth Cooper’s tenure as CFO began in September 2008 and has been marked by sustained earnings growth, a strengthened balance sheet, and a focus on long‑term value creation. Her leadership helped the company navigate both regulated and unregulated markets, expanding its footprint and delivering consistent dividend increases for more than a decade.
Jeff Sylvester’s career at Chesapeake spans finance, operations, and strategic initiatives. As COO since 2022, he has overseen the company’s growth through organic expansion, acquisitions such as Florida City Gas, and investments in renewable natural gas and hydrogen transport. His operational perspective is expected to reinforce the company’s financial strategy and capital allocation as it pursues further growth.
The transition signals continuity in financial stewardship while positioning Chesapeake to leverage Sylvester’s operational expertise in executing its expansion strategy. Management emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in both regulated and unregulated segments, with a focus on sustainable energy investments and customer‑centric service delivery.
"On behalf of the entire Chesapeake Utilities family, I'd like to congratulate Beth on a truly impressive track record of service, performance and growth. Her passion for the Company, unmatched work ethic and strength in building relationships have had an outsized impact on who we are today and what we've achieved over the last few decades. We are grateful for Beth's authentic leadership and strategic guidance that will continue to benefit the Company for years to come," said Jeff Householder, Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. "It has been a joy and privilege to spend my career at Chesapeake Utilities, surrounded by people that consistently bring their best each and every day. I am proud of the success we achieved as we expanded the business, served increasing customer demand and created value for all stakeholders. Supported by our perseverance and the reputation we've built, I'm confident the Company is well‑positioned for continued long‑term growth," added Beth Cooper.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.