At its June 7 meeting, the MLGW Board of Commissioners approved the selection of Roland McElrath as MLGW’s Controller. In his new position as Controller, McElrath will direct and oversee the Division’s accounting activities and departments engaged in general accounting, budgeting and utility rate management. He will also monitor and coordinate work with internal departments and various external entities to meet Division objectives and compliance with city/state and federal government regulations.

McElrath has served two stints as the Finance Director for the City of Memphis, once from 1996-2001 and recently, since 2005. He has also held the position of Associate Superintendent of Business Operations at Memphis City Schools from 2001-2003 and was Chief Financial Officer at the Memphis Housing Authority from 2003-2005. In his previous positions, McElrath has been responsible for managing all aspects of financial affairs including accounting, operating and capital improvement budgets; investing; budgeting, treasury management; procurement and contracting; and developing and implementing financial policies and procedures.

McElrath received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1982 and earned a master’s of business administration degree in Finance from University of Memphis in 1989. He is a Certified Public Account.

“He knows the business of finance,” said Jerry R. Collins Jr., President and CEO of MLGW. “He brings a wealth of experience that would be hard to find elsewhere. He will be a great addition to Memphis Light, Gas and Water.”