Board of Directors
Great Lakes Energy is an electric cooperative, which is a democratic organization controlled by a board of directors. The board is made up of members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions, and are chosen by YOU— our members.
Counties and directors by district are:
2026 Board Meeting Schedule
Wednesday, January 21
Wednesday, March 25
Wednesday, April 22
Thursday, May 21
Wednesday, June 24
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday, August 26/Annual Meeting
Wednesday, September 30
Thursday, October 29
Wednesday, December 2
Meeting dates are subject to change.
The Process
Directors are elected to three-year terms by the membership according to district. GLE members in three districts designated each year will elect one candidate from within their district to fill three positions on the board annually. Each member of Great Lakes Energy has one vote (one membership, one vote) in the election for their particular district. The election results are announced each year at the annual business meeting held in August.
Minutes, beginning with the March 2017 board meeting, are available by email. Please send your request to [email protected]. Prior to March 2017, minutes are available for review in our office. Call 888-485-2537, ext. 1331.
2026 Board Election Candidate Information
District 3 (Antrim County)
Occupation
* Self-employed since 2006
* Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors, 15 years
* Cooperative member for 27 years
Why are you seeking a board seat?
I’m running for re-election not only because I still find this incredibly dynamic industry engaging, but also because I feel I have plenty to offer Great Lakes Energy and you, its member-owners. I feel that my years on the GLE and Wolverine Power Cooperative boards (GLE’s wholesale energy provider) and my day job of doing home energy audits give me unique insights and experiences that help my fellow board members and me make better long-term decisions on your behalf.
Do you have energy industry experience, including work as a Great Lakes Energy employee, electric utility contractor, or at another energy service provider?
I’ve been doing energy assessments and consultations for over 20 years, which has given me tons of insight into how we use energy in our homes and businesses.
Please list any organizations that you belong to or volunteer work that you participate in:
I’ve helped build several Habitat for Humanity homes over the years, and for 30+ years, I’ve hosted dozens of “Ice Bowls,” which are disc golf fundraising and food-raising events for local food pantries — a very fun way to do good things for your neighbors. I am also a member of America’s Electric Cooperative PAC.
List other qualifications and relevant information:
The electric systems we’ve come to rely on are being challenged and pushed in unprecedented ways. It has been and will continue to be my job as your representative for Antrim County to keep all of you – my fellow coop owners – front of mind with all of the decisions I make at the board table. Our energy future will require creativity, flexibility, resilience, and grit, and I feel that I can be that rep for you on the Great Lakes Energy board of directors. I would appreciate your vote.
Candidate Endorsement and Contribution Disclosure:
* Report 1 (due 6/21/26): Self-funded; no external financial support or endorsements reported.
* Report 2 (due 7/21/26): Pending
* Report 3 (due 8/20/26): Pending
District 4 (Crawford, Oscoda, Otsego, Montmorency counties)
Occupation
* Architect / Construction Manager
* Cooperative member for 24 years
Why are you seeking a board seat?
To serve Northern Michigan, a community I have known and loved all my teenage and adult life. My wife Cathy (of 40 years) and I have raised our family in Northern Michigan. We are now watching our grandchildren being raised here. This is a chance to give back and help preserve what is special about this area while providing necessary services to keep people and families thriving and wanting to stay and play in this area.
Do you have energy industry experience, including work as a Great Lakes Energy employee, electric utility contractor, or at another energy service provider?
Involved in commercial building design and construction all my career (41 years), I have experience in requesting and coordinating new or upgraded power for developments and building projects with Great Lakes Energy and other electric service providers throughout Northern Michigan.
Please list any organizations that you belong to or volunteer work that you participate in:
As a member of Gaylord E-Free Church for 36 years, I have been involved in various leadership positions, including church chairman, and elder board chairman. I have also been a board member and board chairman of The Promise FM radio station. I am currently serving on the Otsego Career Access Network Leadership Team and am the secretary/treasurer for our HOA board.
List other qualifications and relevant information:
I am educated as an architect with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from LTU. I am a licensed architect in the State of Ohio with over 40 years of experience in the design and construction industry. I am the President/Manager of Integrity Construction Services, LLC, a construction management and design/build company for commercial construction throughout Northern Michigan.
Candidate Endorsement and Contribution Disclosure:
* Report 1 (due 6/21/26): Self-funded; no external financial support or endorsements reported.
* Report 2 (due 7/21/26): Pending
* Report 3 (due 8/20/26): Pending
Occupation
* Business Owner / Property Manager
* Cooperative member for 25 years
Why are you seeking a board seat?
Being a 25-year resident of Crawford County and a customer of Great Lakes Energy, my family and I have enjoyed exemplary electrical service. Continuation of Great Lakes services in our community is of utmost importance. Working with like-minded people, being a helping hand, and learning to serve the company and customers is why I am seeking a Great Lakes Energy board seat.
Do you have energy industry experience, including work as a Great Lakes Energy employee, electric utility contractor, or at another energy service provider?
No
Please list any organizations that you belong to or volunteer work that you participate in:
* Michigan Department of Education Out of School Time grant advisory board
* Volunteer at Love INC
* North Central Michigan Community Foundation volunteer
* Maple Forest Township Trustee
* C.O.O.R Career Tech. Parent Advisor
* 4H volunteer
Qualifications and relevant information:
Experience: 30 years of owning and managing a property holding company, Three J Properties, which specializes in housing units, raw land, and utility leases. Business projects gave me experience with electric companies and the environmental protocols needed for successful project completion. During the process, I have worked closely with the local electric companies, including Great Lakes Energy, to ensure safe standards for these housing units.
As Crawford County Library Director, I have worked with construction and utility companies to update and renovate the Devereaux Memorial Library and Frederic Community Library. During the renovation, I worked closely with contractors, electricians, and energy providers to relocate overhead wiring and easements for guy wires.
The experience I have gained from serving on many boards and committees, along with the professional experience listed above, makes me well qualified for this seat on the Great Lakes Energy Board.
Candidate Endorsement and Contribution Disclosure:
* Report 1 (due 6/21/26): Self-funded; no external financial support or endorsements reported.
* Report 2 (due 7/21/26): Pending
* Report 3 (due 8/20/26): Pending
Occupation
* Retired – Government Affairs Regional Director in the telecommunications and cable Industry
* Great Lakes Energy Board member for 2 years
* Cooperative Member for 2.75 years
Why are you seeking a board seat?
The role of a board member is to represent the interests of the membership through strong governance of the cooperative. This includes ensuring that Great Lakes Energy remains true to its mission while operating responsibly and effectively.
As your current board representative, I come to each meeting well prepared. I ask thoughtful questions and approach decisions with care and deliberation—especially when addressing complex matters involving fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and legal or regulatory considerations.
Do you have energy industry experience, including work as a Great Lakes Energy employee, electric utility contractor, or at another energy service provider?
Although I am now retired, my career spans decades of work with several Fortune 500 companies, where I held senior management roles in government relations in cable, telecommunications, wireless, and broadband industries. This experience has given me a strong understanding of infrastructure, legal and regulatory environments, and customer service.
Please list any organizations that you belong to or volunteer work that you participate in:
I have served on numerous nonprofit boards and industry boards representing the cable and telecommunications sectors at both the local and state levels. Currently, I volunteer with a hospice organization, tutor adults in literacy, and serve as secretary of my homeowners’ association board.
List other qualifications and relevant information:
It would be impossible not to acknowledge the impact of the 2025 ice storm. This experience reinforces the importance of resilient infrastructure, thoughtful planning, and responsive leadership. Drawing on my family’s four-generation history in Otsego County, I remain committed to helping guide decisions that support recovery today and strengthen our system for the future.
Candidate Endorsement and Contribution Disclosure:
* Report 1 (due 6/21/26): Self-funded; no external financial support or endorsements reported.
* Report 2 (due 7/21/26): Pending
* Report 3 (due 8/20/26): Pending
District 5 (Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties)
Occupation
* Retired
* Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors, 36 years
* Cooperative member for 43 years
Why are you seeking a board seat?
The Great Lakes Energy board exists to serve our membership and oversee the management of our company. GLE is the largest and best-run electric cooperative in the state, with many of the best employees out there, in my opinion. And, thanks to you, I’ve been part of making that happen. We enjoy living in rural Michigan, with our beautiful water and forests, and we also want the lights to come on when we flip the switch. Making that happen consistently, safely, and affordably isn’t always easy, however I enjoy the challenge of helping GLE do just that. Being good stewards of our environment is a must. And, using our revenues wisely is also very important; after all, it’s the members’ money: yours and mine. I would like to continue to serve District 5 and the entire GLE membership.
Do you have energy industry experience, including work as a Great Lakes Energy employee, electric utility contractor, or at another energy service provider?
Serving on the GLE board has been an invaluable and continuing education. I’ve participated in many educational classes taught by industry professionals and board training courses through our national and state organizations. Additionally, I’ve served on the board of our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, for 18 years.
Please list any organizations that you belong to or volunteer work that you participate in:
In addition to serving on the GLE and WPC boards, I’ve served on my church board, local Little League baseball and soccer boards, and several statewide road commission committees.
List other qualifications and relevant information:
I really enjoy rural living and all that goes with it. My wife Lisa and I also enjoy spending time with our family, especially our grandkids.
Candidate Endorsement and Contribution Disclosure:
* Report 1 (due 6/21/26): Self-funded; no external financial support or endorsements reported.
* Report 2 (due 7/21/26): Pending
* Report 3 (due 8/20/26): Pending
Occupation
* Retired
* Cooperative member for 8 years
Why are you seeking a board seat?
Reliable, low-cost electricity and internet service are key to maintaining and growing a robust and prosperous community. I look forward to using my 40+ years of experience in reducing costs for global companies to ensure that when we flip the switch, the lights come on at a cost we can afford. We all love living in rural northern Michigan, and being good stewards of our resources ensures they will be here for future generations to enjoy.
Do you have energy industry experience, including work as a Great Lakes Energy employee, electric utility contractor, or at another energy service provider?
Prior to retiring four years ago, I ran my own telecommunications consulting company and provided assistance to multiple companies including Duke Energy, Aliant Energy, and Xcel Energy. Projects included simplifying services, streamlining architecture, eliminating unnecessary network connections, and renegotiating contracts, which resulted in savings of approximately 47%.
Please list any organizations that you belong to or volunteer work that you participate in:
Currently, I’m the president of our road association which maintains the private road in our neighborhood, and I volunteer to help the local garden club maintain flower beds along the KART trail.
I’m also treasurer for the Irish Arts Foundation, a 501c3 corporation which promotes Irish traditional music and culture.
List other qualifications and relevant information:
I have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and I was the Director of Global Telecommunications at The Coca-Cola Company, leading a team that managed the network supporting 60,000 desktops and 900 locations in 91 countries.
Before Coca-Cola, I was responsible for voice and data networks at Reebok International and worked at Ernst & Young as a senior manager in the Technology Services Practice. My career started at the General Dynamics F-16 jet fighter factory.
Candidate Endorsement and Contribution Disclosure:
* Report 1 (due 6/21/26): Self-funded; no external financial support or endorsements reported.
* Report 2 (due 7/21/26): Pending
* Report 3 (due 8/20/26): Pending
How to vote:
Members can vote online through their online account, the GLE mobile app, the link provided in their email sent from our third-party election administration partner Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) on July 6, or by using their member number and the password found on the cover wrap of the July/August issue of Michigan Country Lines via this link. Members may also cast their vote using the mail-in ballot included on the cover wrap mentioned above.
Great Lakes Energy is governed by a board of directors elected from and by the membership. Please read below for more details or to request an information packet on how you can become a candidate for the next election.
Q: How are Board members chosen?
A: Board members are elected by a mail-in ballot vote of co-op members in the district in which they are seeking election. These ballots will also include instructions on how members can vote online.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Ten to 12 board meetings are held per year during daytime business hours in either Boyne City or Cadillac, MI. Board members may also be required to attend committee meetings and are encouraged to attend conferences both in-state and out of state. Board members are paid a per diem for meetings.
Q: When are Board members elected?
A: Board members are elected annually by ballots, mailed with the July/August issue of the cooperative’s magazine, Michigan Country Lines. The results are announced at the GLE annual business meeting in August. New board members are seated immediately following the annual business meeting and should plan to attend this meeting.
Q: How can a co-op member become a candidate for election to the Board of Directors?
A: Full-time residential members are eligible. All candidates are nominated by petition in accordance with the co-op’s bylaws. To have a candidate nominated by petition, at least 50 GLE members residing in the district in which the candidate is running must provide the necessary information on the petition form and sign it. All petitions must be signed no more than ninety (90) days before they are submitted to GLE. Signatures that are obtained more than ninety (90) days before the petition is submitted will not be counted. The circulator of the petition must also provide the necessary information and sign each petition. The candidate must also read and sign the Affidavit of Qualifications and submit it with the completed petition forms.
To request a petition, please contact us at [email protected] or call 888-485-2537, ext. 1331.
Candidates should refer to the cooperative bylaws for more information.
Q: What are the qualifications to be a director?
A: In accordance with the co-op’s bylaws, a member must meet these qualifications:
Each director shall, at all times, be a member in good standing of the Cooperative and maintain his/her primary residence in the Cooperative’s service area, shall have the legal capacity to enter into a contract, and may not be in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy or supplies to the Cooperative, or of a business primarily engaged in selling electrical appliances, fixtures or supplies to the members of the Cooperative, nor shall they be an employee of the Cooperative. No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director while an employee of the Cooperative, or a wholly owned affiliate of the Cooperative. Except for those specific situations existing on the date these Bylaws are adopted, no person shall be eligible to be a candidate or shall hold office as a director who has a close relative who is an employee of the Cooperative or a wholly owned affiliate of the Cooperative. No Director shall be employed by the Cooperative, or a wholly owned affiliate of the Cooperative, within one (1) year of the expiration or termination of such Director’s term.
Q: What are the board districts and when is the next election for board seats?
- District No. 1: Emmet County (2027)
- District No. 2: Charlevoix and Cheboygan counties (2027)
- District No. 3: Antrim County (2026)
- District No. 4: Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego counties (2026)
- District No. 5: Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties (2026)
- District No. 6: Lake and Mason counties (2028)
- District No. 7: Muskegon and Oceana counties (2027)
- District No. 8: Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties (2028)
- District No. 9: Allegan, Barry, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties (2028)