After 36 years of service, including 18 years as chief financial officer, Beth Cooper retired from Chesapeake Utilities Corporation on June 30, closing a chapter that has shaped both the Company’s growth and the people who have had the opportunity to work alongside her.

In honor of her career, Beth was recently recognized at the New York Stock Exchange, where she rang the opening bell on May 5. The moment reflected not only her personal achievements, but also the journey Chesapeake Utilities has taken over nearly four decades as a public company. She also appeared on Today on NYSE Live, sharing reflections on her career and the Company’s continued progress on its strategic goals.

For all of us, and particularly for the board and senior leadership team members that joined her on the podium, this was a proud and meaningful moment that captured something bigger than a milestone. It reflected the relationships, values and shared commitment that have defined Beth’s time with the Company.

A Career Defined by Growth and Values

Beth joined Chesapeake Utilities in 1990 as a treasury analyst, beginning a career that would steadily evolve through leadership roles across accounting, finance, internal audit, corporate secretary/governance and strategic planning. Her path from an entry-level role to CFO speaks to both her dedication to the work and the opportunities created by the Company’s people-first culture.

When she was named chief financial officer in 2008, Chesapeake Utilities was a small-cap utility. Over the next 18 years, she helped guide a period of extraordinary growth. During her tenure, the Company achieved 366% earnings per share growth, expanded market capitalization by more than $3 billion, and delivered 10-fold growth in total assets and net income. She also supported more than 20 acquisitions, raised more than $2.5 billion in debt and equity, and participated in more than 1,000 investor and lender meetings.

She played a key role in guiding the Company through complex moments, including major financing efforts and the transformational acquisition of FCG in 2023, which was completed in record time. Through each milestone, she remained focused on doing the right things the right way, building trust while delivering steady long-term performance. While those achievements are significant, Beth has often pointed to something more personal as the true highlight of her career.

Leadership That Leaves a Lasting Impact

Beth is known across the organization not just for her financial expertise, but for the way she shows up as a leader. Those who have worked with Beth often speak about her ability to connect, listen and lead with both confidence and humility. Her authenticity, collaborative style, and genuine care for people have left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and friends.

She also cultivated high-quality, lasting relationships across external stakeholder groups, including investors, bankers, lenders, advisors, peer company CFOs and our industry organizations. She exemplified externally the Chesapeake culture that we know so well internally – care for others, integrity in our decisions and excellence in all we do.

A Career Worth Celebrating

As Beth prepared for retirement, the Chesapeake Utilities family took time to celebrate her contributions. On June 10, colleagues, friends and leaders gathered at Energy Lane to recognize her decades of service, share memories and express their appreciation.

Reflecting on her career, Beth shared what will resonate with her for years to come: “The relationships I’ve built, both internally and externally, are what matter the most. I will forever treasure the connections I’ve made here at Chesapeake Utilities.”

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Beth leaves Chesapeake Utilities with a legacy that goes well beyond financial results. Her influence can be seen in the strength of the Company, the culture its employees experience every day and the connections she built along the way.

As the Company looks ahead, her impact will continue to be felt in meaningful ways. And while she may be retiring from her formal role, Beth will always remain a part of the Chesapeake Utilities family as a long-term investor and proud supporter.