Its good to be back home in the electric cooperative world.

What makes it even more special is that its as the chief executive officer of such a community-focused co-op as Noble REMC.

There is nothing I value more than the cooperative business model, where the member comes first, and Im eager to continue and add to the success Noble REMC has already built.

As I get to know our employees, members and community, I want you to know a bit about me, too.

Im a northwest Ohio native who started my professional career by serving in the U.S. Navy for six years on a nuclear submarine. Operating the reactor was my first interaction with electric generation and distribution, and it was a catalyst for my career when I left the military.

I was fortunate to find a position at my local electric cooperative. I first became a lineman before working my way up to the title of manager of engineering and operations. After 27 years, I transitioned to another utility but always kept one eye on the co-op world and Im fortunate to now be back where I belong.

A month in, Ive already begun meeting with local leaders and industries to see how Noble REMC can continue to serve the community and provide affordable and reliable power to our members.

My number one focus will always be safety, which Im happy is reinforced by our mission statement: Noble REMC, where safety is the standard and members are the priority. If we can ever improve the safety of our employees, members and the public, I will make it happen.

I look forward to getting to know you, our members, and lifting this community up, as we’ve done for nearly 90 years.

If you see me around, stop and say hello. I cant wait to meet you.