After nearly three decades of service, Kevin Keiser officially retired from Steuben County REMC on Jan. 30, concluding a career marked by steady growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to the cooperative’s members and communities.
Keiser joined the cooperative in May 1998, when Steuben County REMC’s utility plant assets totaled approximately $7.8 million. Under his leadership, those assets grew to more than $62 million, reflecting decades of investment in system reliability, technology, and service improvements. During his tenure, the cooperative retired $4.4 million in capital credits to members, added five substations and two metering points, built approximately 152 miles of new electric line, and welcomed nearly 2,600 additional electric accounts. To support that growth, the cooperative’s workforce expanded by 11 employees.
He also strengthened the cooperative’s connection to the communities it serves through programs such as Operation Round Up. By the 2025-26 program year, nearly $1 million has been raised for nonprofit organizations across Steuben, LaGrange, and DeKalb counties.
One of the most significant milestones of Keiser’s leadership was the launch of the cooperative’s broadband network. Construction began in 2022 using approximately 160 miles of community dark fiber. The first customers were connected in October 2022, and the full network was completed in January 2024. Today, the cooperative serves about 5,050 broadband accounts, with steady weekly growth continuing across the service area.
In 2020, Steuben County REMC earned a customer satisfaction score of 90 through the American Customer Satisfaction Index, placing the cooperative among the highest-rated utilities in Indiana and reflecting a strong culture of member-focused service.
Keiser’s final day with the cooperative was marked by a retirement open house and celebration on Jan. 30. Several employees shared personal reflections, along with remarks from both the current and former board presidents, recognizing his leadership and lasting influence on the organization. In honor of his nearly 28 years of service and dedication to the region, the Steuben County Commissioners presented an official proclamation recognizing his contributions to Steuben County REMC and the broader community.
As Steuben County REMC looks ahead to its next chapter, the cooperative extends its sincere appreciation to Keiser for his leadership, integrity, and lasting legacy of service.
