MEET THE CANDIDATES

Family

Married to my wife Paula for 36 years and we have two grown children.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1980. Licensed CPA in 1995. Completed Ohio Society of CPA’s Center for Leadership program 2003.

Employment

Began at Champion International in Hamilton and worked at several regional companies in accounting management roles before transitioning over to installing business software. I installed software as a traveling consultant and project manager assisting companies in the U.S. and Europe. Retired as controller for M. Bohlke Veneer after three years in 2022.

Leadership and community activities

I have held leadership roles from supervisor to vice

Family

I have been married to Janice for 57 years and have three children and six grandchildren.

Education

I attended Ohio State University and Miami University. I have earned NRECA’s Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold certificates.

Employment

I retired from farming where we raised hogs, beef cattle, and grain crops and am a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Leadership and community activities

I was on the Butler County Fair Board for 15 years and am a former member of the Butler County Pork Producers president in various organizations. Previous community service includes the Fairfield School Board and coaching youth sports teams. where I served as president and vice president. I’m a member of the Reily Township Historical Society and the Franklin County Antique Machinery Club.

What do you do in your free time? Hiking, working in the yard, and woodworking.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?

I was immediately interested because electricity is vital for almost everything we do. The responsibilities sound challenging and I could give back to the community.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative? Planning for how to continue to meet the electrical demands of Butler Rural members in the future. This is primarily because of increasing government regulation of coal fired generation plants, current technological limitations of wind and solar, and increased home electric vehicle charging stations.

How would you fulfill our mission of serving members?

I believe my diverse business experience, financial skills, and team focus will allow me to work closely with the other trustees on a wide variety of topics keeping the best interest of members as a consistent theme in all discussions.

What do you do in your free time?

I restore John Deere lawn mowers, attend my grandchildren’s activities, travel, and garden.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?

Being a lifetime resident of Reily Township, I know the value of dependable, affordable electricity. I’m proud Butler Rural Electric is in the top six cooperatives in Ohio. My mission is to maintain and increase our dependability on the power grid while keeping costs at a reasonable rate.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative? Keeping the grid reliable, meeting environmental requirements, security, and keeping our electric affordable.

How would you fulfill our mission of serving members?

I would continue to work with all board members, employees, and our customers to maintain and improve our electric service.