The former chief executive of a nonprofit, Texas-based electric cooperative, one of the largest in the country, was awarded about $1.1 million to resign his post after previously accusing board members of inappropriate conduct.
The Austin American-Statesman reports John Hewa was awarded the payout in May by the Pedernales Electric Cooperative board.
Hewa had accused board members of retaliating against employees who spoke out against perceived racism at the utility.
Hewa, appointed CEO in 2013, had an employment agreement that didn't entitle him to separation pay if he resigned voluntarily.
Claims of racial insensitivity have persisted for months after a board member wrote on social media it was "time for a tree and a rope" when an African-American man was arrested in the killing of a San Antonio police officer.
