Steve Kirkpatrick, left, and Bob Marshall, right, recently handed over the reins to the next generation of leaders on the Noble REMC Board of Directors.

Noble REMC is bidding a sincere farewell to two longstanding directors of its board.

After nearly four decades representing District 7, Bob Marshall is choosing to hand over the reins to a new director, while 15-year veteran Steve Kirkpatrick (District 6) is planning to potentially relocate outside of the Noble REMC service territory in the near future.

Both will be greatly missed as leaders of the co-op, but we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors!

Bob Marshall

Marshall represented District 7, which encompasses Allen and Swan townships in Noble County. He served on the Noble REMC board of directors for 39 years, nearly 14 of those years as board chairman.

As a director, he learned and understood the responsibility of providing clean power to our members and dedicated himself to staying informed and educated about continuous changes in the electric industry.

His favorite part of the past four decades was his work with “his fellow board members to help guide the REMC with approval of strategic plans and budgets,” but he’ll miss working with his fellow directors, the REMC staff and CEO the most.

“It’s been a privilege to serve the members of Noble REMC for the past 39 years and be a part of this outstanding corporation,” shared Marshall.

Though he’s stepping down from the position, he’ll continue to be a vital part of the community as executive vice president at Campbell & Fetter Bank, as well as serving on the boards of the Noble County Economic Development Corporation, Noble County EDC Trust Corp., Regional Development Authority and Regional Partnership.

He and his wife, Jeryl, reside west of LaOtto in Swan Township. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Steve Kirkpatrick

Representing Jefferson and Albion townships in Noble County, Kirkpatrick served on the Noble REMC Board of Directors since 2003. During his tenure on the board, he also represented the cooperative as a director on the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Board of Directors in Indianapolis for several years. 

He and his wife, Dee Dee, currently reside south of Albion. The family continues to debate whether they’ll be moving closer to their grandchildren, which would put Kirkpatrick outside of Noble REMC service territory and make him ineligible to serve. Kirkpatrick felt it would be better to part ways at the end of his term, rather than disrupt the board with a midterm departure.

Kirkpatrick said he’s enjoyed the acquaintances and friends he’s made over his tenure — Noble REMC employees, staff, CEO and directors, as well as cooperative members and other cooperative representatives — and the education associated with the electric industry. But his favorite part was experiencing the continued success of Noble REMC’s annual meeting and picnic, where he was able to interact with members he didn’t see on a regular basis.

“I am very grateful to the members of Noble REMC for allowing me to serve them for the past 15 years as their director representing Albion and Jefferson townships,” Kirkpatrick said. “It has been an enjoyable adventure, and I am thankful to have had this opportunity to serve.”

He will be leaving his position with Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership (BLC) certificates through NRECA, as well as a Director Gold credential.

Volunteering on multiple local committees will continue to be an important part of his life, but his priority will be maintaining his broker/realtor status with Century 21 Bradley Realty and visiting with his grandchildren.