Russell R. Guse | Director At-Large
Family members: Wife Monica, sons Dean (age 11) and Derrick (age 9)
Years as a KV REMC member-consumer: 15 years
Occupation: Farmer, Crop duster pilot and Beck’s Hybrids dealer
Other boards, civic service experience or previous work experience: My previous work experience includes nine years employed at KV REMC. During that time, I worked in the operations department as a groundman and as an engineer tech. This experience gave me a broad knowledge of the workings of the cooperative. I served one term as a Kankakee Valley REMC board member representing the at-large district and during that time became a Credentialed Cooperative Director. I currently serve as a volunteer firefighter for the LaCrosse Fire Department.
Education: Associate degree in electrical engineering tech, Purdue University
Strengths I bring to the board: As a small business owner in our community, I understand the need for cost-effective, reliable power. As a parent, I feel a duty to preserve the cooperative roots while focusing on the future development of energy rates, reliability and generation sources. The most valuable asset I bring to the board of directors is my years of experience as an employee of the cooperative, making me an excellent link between the member-consumers and the officers of KV REMC.
Mike Yankauskas | District 4 Director
Family members: Wife Kate, three married sons and eight grandchildren
Years as a KV REMC member-consumer: 45 years
Occupation: Grain and livestock producer
Other boards, civic service experience or previous work experience: I have 20 years of experience as a soil fertility crop nutrition consultant. I am a board member of Community Services of Starke County and the Washington Township Advisory Board. I have been president of the KV REMC Board of Directors for the past two years and represent the cooperative on the Indiana Electric Cooperative Board of Directors. While a director, I have earned the following certifications: Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director Gold through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. I am also a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, Purdue University
Strengths I bring to the board: My decades of service in electric power production and distribution have given me the knowledge and foresight as the industry moves from traditional power sources to incorporate renewables in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner for our member-consumers.
