Salt River Project's elected leaders have chosen Jim Pratt as the utility's new CEO and general manager, selecting him from within their management ranks to replace Mike Hummel, who is retiring.

The general manager and CEO of the public water and power utility is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the utility, which employs more than 5,000 workers. Other leadership positions include the president, vice president and board of directors, who set policies and are elected by people who own land in SRP territory.

When the utility takes action such as raising rates, the management team brings those decisions to the elected board for a vote.

Pratt, whose selection was announced Thursday and who starts in his new role May 5, has more than 38 years of experience. He started at SRP in 1984 as an entry-level engineer and became an associate general manager in 2018, overseeing the team that interacted with power and water customers.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected to lead SRP," Pratt said in a prepared statement. "It is a role steeped in history and has helped make a significant impact on our state and the communities we serve. I look forward to working with the incredible SRP team members to build upon the company’s strong foundation of dedicated service as we evolve to meet our community’s future needs."

Pratt, 61, earned a mechanical engineering degree from Montana State University.

The board of directors will determine Pratt's salary. Hummel made about $1.2 million annually.

Hummel became general manager/CEO in 2018 and worked at SRP for more than 40 years, including as deputy general manager where he led the decision-making process to close the Navajo Generating Station coal-fired power plant near Page, among other projects.

"I have worked with Jim Pratt for 35 years and I am confident that he will be an outstanding GM and CEO," Hummel said in a prepared statement. "He is a skilled leader who inspires others, encourages innovation and will work tirelessly to support customers."

Reach reporter Ryan Randazzo at ryan.randazzo@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4331. Follow him on Twitter @UtilityReporter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Salt River Project names Jim Pratt as new CEO, general manager