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 4, 5, and 8 are up for election.
DISTRICT 4: JACKSON TOWNSHIP
Mike Kurtz, INCUMBENT
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? “Serving on the Steuben County REMC board is an excellent way for me to give back to the community. Our REMC has certainly played an important part in bringing about positive changes in the quality of life for those living in northeast Indiana.”
OCCUPATION: Grain farmer; school bus driver, Prairie Heights School
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Sons of Legion, American Legion Orland Post 423, American Legion Riders Association, Jackson Township Board
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: NRECA Board Leadership, NRECA Credential Cooperative Director
FAMILY: Wife, Tina, eight children, and 11 grandchildren
INTERESTS: Enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren
Ken Wilson
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? “I like to serve others. As a dedicated construction professional who has lived and worked throughout northeast Indiana for over 40 years, I understand the importance of effective communication in turning visions into realities. My knowledge, leadership, and experience as a problem-solver help me find solutions that benefit all parties. I believe my skills will positively impact my community and Steuben County REMC.”
OCCUPATION: President and CEO, JICI Construction Company (26 years)
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION: AS Civil Engineering Technology (Purdue University), general contractors license (Multiple Locations), Indiana State Real Estate Broker’s License, OSHA safety trained, first aid training (Red Cross), CPR training (Red Cross)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Steuben County EDC (director), Builders Association Northeast Indiana (director, past president), Angola Chamber of Commerce (director)
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Secretary of Defense – Patriot Award, Developer of the Year (2018–19) Presented by Wingate by Wyndham, Commercial Builders Council Merit Award (Division- Institutional), 1st place recipient of the Glen A. Brackney High Strength Award presented by the Indiana Chapter of the American Concrete Institute
FAMILY: Wife, Patricia, three children, and 14 grandchildren
INTERESTS: Enjoys spending time with his large, tight-knit family and being a racing enthusiast after retiring from racing late model series
DISTRICT 5: PLEASANT TOWNSHIP
Carter Snider, INCUMBENT
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? “As an elected director, I’ve had an outstanding experience. This directorship post enables continuous schooling about electrification, broadband, and our co-op community locally, regionally, and nationally. Put all this together, and it makes for a wonderful experience.”
OCCUPATION: Adjunct professor, Trine University and Hillsdale College; previously managing partner at Lake Cities Broadcasting
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Angola Area Chamber of Commerce (past president), Steuben County YMCA (past president), 101 Lakes Kiwanis Club (past president), Charles McClure Reserve (past president), Steuben County Tourism Bureau (past president), Steuben County REMC Operation Round Up Board
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: NRECA Director Gold, NRECA Board Leadership, NRECA Credential Cooperative Director, Ketner School of Business Chair’s Award, Trine University CCH Distinguish Faculty, Professor of the Year Trine University/KSB, Outstanding Alumnus of the WVU Department of Comm Studies, and Adjunct Professor of the Year at Tri-State University
FAMILY: Wife, Sandy, and two English Springer Spaniels
INTERESTS: Enjoys media consulting/research and working summers a Yogi Bear Jellystone Park- Fremont
DISTRICT 8: STEUBEN, SMITHFIELD, AND GRANT TOWNSHIPS
Larry Jack, INCUMBENT
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? “I have always been interested in Steuben County REMC and how it serves its members and our community.”
OCCUPATION: Owner of Larry’s Repair Service (retired after 36 years)
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION: Technical training from various companies
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Pleasant Lake Lions Club (past president), Indiana Electric Cooperative (past director), Wabash Valley Power Alliance (director)
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: NRECA Board Leadership, NRECA Credential Cooperative Director
FAMILY: Wife, Karen, and one son
INTERESTS: Enjoys antique tractors and farm equipment
Don Wittkamp
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? “I want to use my experience and wisdom to assist the Steuben County REMC community and the other directors in the goals of financial, strategic planning, operating rates, and roles of service.”
OCCUPATION: HVACR Engineer (retired after 40 years)
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION: U.A.S.T.A.R. and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: U.S.G.B.C. Green Building Council, Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (R.S.E.S.), Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), and State & Federal Foster Parent Associations
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: U.A.S.T.A.R. HVAC Mastery
FAMILY: Wife, Christina, one son, and is a foster/adopt parent
INTERESTS: Enjoys coaching Little League – Travel Baseball, chess, gardening, and camping
