Because no other members submitted petitions to run for the board, no formal election is needed. This saves the co-op mail costs. The three incumbent trustees will be re-elected by affirmation. Members in Districts 3, 7, and 8 will not receive a ballot to vote in the election.
DISTRICT 3: UNCONTESTED
Paulding County (Ohio) townships of Carryall, Crane, Harrison, and Benton
TIMOTHY DERCK | ANTWERP, OHIO
OCCUPATION: Grain farmer, insurance agent, and owner at Antwerp Insurance Agency, Inc.
YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 37 years | SPOUSE: Lisa
ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: Paulding County Farm Bureau, Antwerp Rotary Club, Divine Mercy Catholic Church, PAC member at Presidential Level, Director Gold credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Bowling Green State University Falcon Club Member (graduate), Upper Maumee Water Basin Board Member
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Hunting, fishing, boating, farming, snowmobiling, and skiing. Father of three, grandfather of five. American dad to former foreign exchange students.
QUALIFICATIONS: Current PPEC Board Secretary/Treasurer and have served since 2003; completed trustee training up to Director Gold level. He believes his past 20 years of experience with PPEC is a great foundation to lead the co-op.
CO-OP CHALLENGES: Potentially restrictive regulations from the federal and state levels. With less electric generation capacity, the potential for rolling blackouts and brownouts is very real during high electricity consumption periods. Electric vehicle implementation. Integration of renewable and distributive energies with fair pricing at the industrial and consumer levels.
FOCUS: To safely provide members with quality electric service, sustainable energy solutions, and superior customer service at a fair and reasonable price. A continued focus on ensuring members benefit from their patronage.
DISTRICT 7: UNCONTESTED
Putnam County (Ohio) townships of Monroe, Palmer, Liberty, and Greensburg
KENNETH NIESE | OTTAWA, OHIO
OCCUPATION: Retired farmer
YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 49 years | SPOUSE: Marjorie
ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: St. Nicholas Catholic Church (maintenance committee), Miller City Sportsman Club, Ottawa Knights of Columbus, former member of Miller City Fire Dept., and former director agent of Farmers Mutual Insurance. Graduate of The Ohio State University.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Helping the community in various activities. He and his son farm 300 acres, and he enjoys attending his 10 grandkids’ activities.
QUALIFICATIONS: 12 years of experience on the PPEC board, during which he has completed credentials for Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificate from NRECA, and additional courses to stay current.
CO-OP CHALLENGES: Electric vehicles will have an impact on our system. Renewable energy continues to be a concern for PPEC and Buckeye Power, our energy supplier.
FOCUS: PPEC has served its members for over 80 years. I want to ensure it is around for many more decades by making sound financial decisions while maintaining a solid infrastructure and focusing on service.
DISTRICT 8: UNCONTESTED
Putnam County (Ohio) townships of Perry, Jackson, Jennings, Monterey; Marion Township, Allen County, Ohio
ADAM SCHNIPKE | FORT JENNINGS, OHIO
OCCUPATION: Self-employed contractor at Schnipke Contracting, LLC
YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 20 years | SPOUSE: Beth
ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville Area Chamber of Commerce, Big Green Athletic Boosters, Kalida Fish and Game, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Spending time with family, hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, and water and snow skiing.
QUALIFICATIONS: Has been a member of the PPEC board for the last three years with several trainings. He also served in many leadership roles on other committees and organizations. Owning and operating his own construction business, he has a strong understanding of how business works.
CO-OP CHALLENGES: The premature closing of baseload generation with inadequate replacement options. The continued threat on cyber security. Electric vehicles will affect the grid and load of our local system.
FOCUS: Continue to send representatives to the state and federal levels and keep a balanced budget to allow for needed future maintenance and upgrades. Also, maintain and upgrade existing lines, equipment, and technologies.
BOARD ELECTION REMINDER: Because no other members submitted petitions to run for the board, no formal election is needed. This saves the co-op mail costs. The three incumbent trustees will be reelected by affirmation. Members in districts 3, 7, and 8 will not receive a ballot to vote in the election.
