Easton Utilities announces the conclusion of William W.W. “Buck” Duncan’s distinguished 12-year service as Commissioner, marking over a decade of visionary leadership and profound guidance for the organization and the community it serves.
Appointed in 2013, Buck brought a community-focused approach to his role, helping guide Easton Utilities through a period of unprecedented growth, innovation, and infrastructure advancements. His tenure is defined by numerous strategic investments, community partnerships, and significant performance milestones.
Some of the most notable achievements during Buck’s time on the Commission:
- 2014 – Helped Easton Utilities celebrate its Centennial, marking 100 years of service and the return of Rudolph atop Talbottown.
- 2016 – Oversaw renovations to Power Plant 1 to improve efficiency and reliability, while maintaining its historic image on the outside.
- 2017 – Supported the installation of a 2MW solar array at the Easton Sustainability Campus, a $4 million project made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment.
- 2019 – Guided the acquisition and development of the Commerce Drive Warehouse which was necessary to accommodate the increasing demand for storage.
- 2020 – Celebrated Easton Velocity’s completion of a project designed to extend fiber closer to the customer premise (original service territory) and helped launch Connect Talbot, the broadband expansion initiative to reach underserved areas. Buck helped Easton Utilities secure $30 million in federal, state, and local funding to support this project.
- 2022/2023 – Advocated for facility upgrades including a modernized control room and upgraded crew building with an expanded vehicle garage.
- 2024 – Celebrated Easton Velocity’s 1,500th broadband customer connection through the Connect Talbot project and helped name the current President and CEO John Horner.
“Buck’s steady leadership and commitment to progress have helped position Easton Utilities as a model for reliability, innovation, and customer service,” said John J. Horner, President and CEO of Easton Utilities. “His ability to balance strategic oversight with genuine humanity will leave a lasting legacy.”
During his service, Easton Utilities earned numerous accolades, including:
- Community Impact Award from Talbot County Economic Development
- Multiple Maryland Healthiest Business honors
- Annual Reliability and Safety Awards from American Public Power Association and American Public Gas Association
- Consistently high customer satisfaction scores
Additionally, Easton Utilities grew significantly during Buck’s tenure, adding more than 50 employees to its workforce and increasing the geographical footprint with Easton Velocity.
“It’s been an honor to serve this community and be part of an organization that truly makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Duncan. “It is an incredible team all around, and I leave with full confidence in their continued commitment to excellence.”
Easton Utilities thanks Buck for his years of service and leadership, wishing him the very best in his next chapter. The addition of Shirl Jenkins to the Commission will ensure the three-member team is complete as they work to supervise the rates, quality of service, and overall financial management of Easton Utilities in the best interest of the customers and community.
Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Please visit www.eastonutilities.com or call 410-822-6110 to learn more.
Matt LaMotte says
Buck has provided some amazing service for our area! I remember a quote he’s fond of using, which is most appropriate for hum – “He’s the real deal!”
Craig Michaels says
The community has been lucky to have this man who has given so much.