Exercise one of the greatest benefits of being a member of an electric co-op by voting for the upcoming year’s board of directors. Districts 1, 2 and 9 are up for election.
District 1: Greenfield and Millgrove townships
Gary Shough, incumbent
Why are you running for office?
“I enjoy the challenges and opportunities being a director offers to me. It’s rewarding to see our community grow through decisions that are made in the boardroom including Operation Round Up and the broadband project.”
Occupation: Equipment Operator, Steuben County Highway (25 years)
Community Involvement: 4-H Fair Board (President), Boy Scout Troop 423 (Assistant Scoutmaster), Orland Community Volunteer Fire Department (Assistant Fire Chief)
Special Recognitions: Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate, Board Leadership Certificate and the Director Gold Certificate
Family: Married to wife, Kelly, two children and six grandchildren
Interests: Working my small farm in the northwest corner of Steuben County, where I feed out a few steers. I enjoy hunting and fishing.
District 2: Jamestown township
Ryan Welch
Why are you running for office?
“I have always been impressed by the way our REMC has taken care of the community, its members and employees. The service and professionalism is second to none. I would like the opportunity to contribute my sales and business experience to remain competitive in the market and support the ongoing success of this wonderful organization. ”
Occupation: Outside Sales Territory Manager, Dunham Rubber and Belting Corporation (23 years)
Degree/Certification: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Education
Community Involvement: Sons of the American Legion Post 423 Orland, Indiana (past Chaplin), American Legion Riders Post 423 (current Director, previous: Treasurer, Chaplin), Honor Guard Commander Post 423, Jimmerson Lake Association
Family: Two children
Interests: Enjoys riding motorcycles, boating, fishing, hunting and shooting sports.
Samuel “Gus” Reed
Why are you running for office?
“Now that I am retired, I’d like to dedicate a significant part of my time serving the community.”
Military Service: U.S. Air Force
Occupation: Engineer, Department of Defense Air Force Research Lab (retired after 40 years)
Degree/Certification: Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering; Master’s in Business Administration; graduate Air War College
Community Involvement: Snow Lake Cottagers Association (President), Steuben County REMC Operation Round Up (President), Trine University Mechanical Engineering and Cast Metals Professional Advisory Board, Steuben County Lake Council (Lake Representative), American Legion Post 423 Orland, Indiana
Special Recognitions: Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award
Family: Married to wife, Cheryl, six children and three grandchildren
Interests: Enjoys hunting, fishing and all things outdoors.
Randy Tilbury
Why are you running for office?
“Since I retired in April 2022, I feel that I now have the time to devote to this board. I have been interested in the REMC for years and I feel that my financial background could contribute to the organization as it expands its services.”
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant, Randy Tilbury CPA (retired after 47 years)
Degree/Certification: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Certified Public Accountant
Community Involvement: Past member of Kiwanis and Rotary.; Fremont United Methodist Church (past Treasurer); Little League Baseball (past coach); Fremont Junior High and High School Golf (past coach); volunteered with many Steuben County exempt organizations. Involved with Steuben County Community Foundation since 1992
Special Recognitions: As a senior at Angola High School in 1976, finished first in National Co-op Education accounting test, graduated Tri-State University School of Business with highest GPA.
Family: Married 40 years to wife, Phyllis, two children and four grandchildren
Interests: Enjoys golfing, woodworking, helping people and family with building improvement projects. Lifelong resident of Steuben County.
District 9: Otsego, Richland and Franklin townships
Marc Nelson, incumbent
Why are you running for office?
“I feel I’m giving back to our members for what our co-op has done since being founded in 1937. I have enjoyed watching the progress of the fiber coming to our members and other benefits.”
Occupation: Owner of Nelson’s Carpet Service (30+ years)
Community Involvement: Indiana Electric Cooperative (IEC) Board
Special Recognitions: Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate, Board Leadership Certificate and the Director Gold Certificate
Family: Married to wife, Robbie, for 45 years, four children and 13 grandchildren
Interests: Enjoys riding motorcycles, fishing, camping and spending time with family.
Your Current Board of Directors
