Across Indiana, a new generation of leaders is rising to steer electric cooperatives forward. They bring inventive ideas, technical knowledge, and a strong dedication to service and community, which embodies the cooperative spirit.

To celebrate National Cooperative Month, Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC), the publisher of Indiana Connection, is honoring seven emerging leaders from across the state. These professionals aren’t just keeping the lights on; they’re strengthening community ties, driving innovation, and preparing co-ops for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“At IEC, we believe that the strength of our future lies in the hands of our up-and-coming leaders,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Their commitment to service and their communities is not only advancing our cooperatives forward but also shaping a brighter tomorrow for all Hoosiers.”

Alexis Knear | Harrison REMC

When Alexis Knear joined Harrison REMC in 2021, she was new to the industry but eager to learn. 

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of taking initiative to connect with others,” said Knear. “Building relationships across departments and having great mentors has provided me with invaluable insight and experience.”

Her cooperative career began as an accounting assistant in June 2021. In November 2023, she advanced to accounting specialist, the role she holds today. 

“Lexie is known for her initiative and eagerness to learn, often volunteering for added responsibilities,” said David Lett, CEO of Harrison REMC. “Despite her young age, she consistently displays exceptional professionalism and maturity.”

Knear earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University Southeast in 2021 and recently completed her MBA, also from IU Southeast, earning membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. She’s also finishing IEC’s Cooperative Leadership Edge Program, which focuses on developing leadership skills within the cooperative model.

Knear is also active beyond the office. She has served as Rotary Club treasurer for three years, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, assists her church with homeless outreach, and participates in REMC’s Repair Affair.

“What I appreciate most about the REMC is its genuine commitment to serving the local community in every possible way,” said Knear. “Beyond providing reliable electricity, their commitment to supporting the youth in the community and sponsoring local events is something that I really value and appreciate from an employer.”

Devin Edwards | Marshall County REMC

“From an early age, I was interested in computers,” said Devin Edwards, IT manager for Marshall County REMC. 

“That love grew as I aged and with the creation of new technologies.” 

His first job in IT came right after high school at the same school he had just graduated from. He supported several school corporations while earning his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision from Purdue University North Central in 2011. 

Though Edwards hadn’t considered the electric cooperative industry before, an opening at Kankakee Valley REMC gave him his first opportunity. He worked there for a year and a half before joining Marshall County REMC in 2018 as IT Manager — a role he has held for seven years.

One of his most significant achievements was leading Marshall County REMC’s transition from a 30-year-old computer system to the NISC platform. The project modernized operations across the cooperative and marked a turning point in how technology supports members. 

“Devin has stepped up with tasks outside of his normal roles and responsibilities and is the first person almost everyone turns to at our cooperative when they need help,” said Arianna Thome, Marshall County REMC communications specialist. “He’s always there with a kind and helpful demeanor.”

Although Edwards focuses on the members and the cooperative during working hours, his primary source of motivation is at home. He credits his wife, Melissa, and their three children — Hayden, Jocelyn, and Givens — for their support.

Looking ahead, Edwards hopes to keep expanding the role of technology in daily operations. 

“I look forward to helping our cooperative grow in the use of technology to make the lives of our members better.”

Molly Farkas | Whitewater Valley REMC

Joining the cooperative world was an unexpected, but welcome, career shift for Molly Farkas.

“I was new to the area and applied for an open member services representative position. I didn’t get the job at first and worked at a doctor’s office for a year,” said Farkas. “When the co-op called back, I decided to see what they had to offer.”

Farkas joined Whitewater Valley REMC in February 2023 as a member services representative and quickly discovered what makes cooperatives special. 

“The benefits initially drew me in, but the culture is what has kept me,” said Farkas. “I’m very happy with my job and feel I can build a long career here.”

Education has been a constant priority for Farkas. She holds two associate degrees and a medical billing and coding certificate from Sinclair Community College. In 2025, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in technical and applied studies from the University of Cincinnati. She will begin her master’s degree in organizational leadership at Mount St. Joseph University in January 2026.

“Her proactive leadership and readiness for new challenges truly set Molly apart,” said Jennifer Scott, member experience manager and brand ambassador at Whitewater Valley REMC. “She often volunteers for initiatives, driving positive changes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among her colleagues.”

Her achievements include being named Employee of the Month in August 2023, membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and serving as the Customer Service Representative (CSR) section secretary. She’s also active in WiNUP’s Indiana Chapter and engaged in community activities.

 “One of the things I love most about working here is the impact our cooperative has on the communities we serve,” said Farkas. “It’s inspiring to see how involved we are, from local events to outreach programs, and to know that we’re making a real difference where we live and work.”

She is eager to grow within the cooperative. “We’re a small co-op, which makes moving up challenging, but I hope to put my skills to work.”

Outside the office, Farkas enjoys golf, planning her wedding, which will take place this month, and spending time with her two spoiled dogs, Willie and Deuce.

Blake Kleaving | Hoosier Energy

For Blake Kleaving, his connection to the cooperative spans generations. 

“My father serves as a board director for Southern Indiana Power, and my grandfather served on Southern Indiana REC’s board in the 1970s,” said Kleaving, Hoosier Energy’s manager of member solutions. “Cooperative blood runs deep in my family.”

His involvement began early. As a middle schooler, Kleaving helped at Annual Meetings and was selected for Youth Tour in 2009. Later, he represented Indiana on the Youth Leadership Council. 

Kleaving’s professional journey began with internships at Hoosier Energy and later at Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) in Virginia during graduate school, along with volunteering for NRECA’s youth programs. 

After earning his degree from Purdue University, he accepted his first full-time position as marketing and member services representative at Corn Belt Energy. Several roles followed — including energy efficiency coordinator at Hoosier Energy and member services coordinator at Daviess-Martin County REMC — before he returned to Hoosier Energy in 2020 as manager of member solutions.

“This role is one of the most exciting and fulfilling I’ve ever had — building and growing solutions for our member cooperatives,” Kleaving said. 

Over the past five years, he has led strategic initiatives, served on influential committees, and completed the Hoosier Energy Executive Leadership Development program and NRECA’s Management Internship Program.

“Whether coordinating statewide summits, shaping energy efficiency programs, or inspiring others through servant leadership, Blake exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and integrity,” said Jeremy Price, communications coordinator at Hoosier Energy.

Looking ahead, Kleaving is focused on strengthening member engagement through data-driven insights, expanding strategic planning efforts, and mentoring the next generation of cooperative professionals.

Outside work, he and his wife, Kiersten, share a love for the outdoors — hiking scenic trails, exploring state parks, and cruising in their Jeep. 

“Whether it’s a quiet afternoon in the garden, cheering on Purdue athletics, or relaxing with our cats, we find joy in the simple things,” Kleaving said. “Our lives are enriched by time spent with family and friends, making every adventure, big or small, a meaningful one.”

Madelyn Lamb | Paulding Putnam Electric and Internet

Madelyn Lamb’s connection to the cooperative began long before her career started.

“My family has been co-op members for as long as I can remember, and I grew up attending Annual Meetings,” said Lamb, marketing specialist for Paulding Putnam.

Her first personal involvement with the co-op came in 2018, when she represented Paulding Putnam as a Youth Tour delegate, an experience that kept the cooperative on her radar.

That early experience came full circle when she joined Paulding Putnam in 2022 as a part-time employee while completing her degree. In 2024, she transitioned to a full-time role as marketing specialist and now also oversees the co-op’s youth programs.

Lamb earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in marketing, and her MBA from Bowling Green State University.

“I chose business because it offered versatility,” said Lamb. “Marketing allows me to combine communications, writing, and design — being creative while supporting strategic goals.”

One of Lamb’s proudest achievements so far has been revamping Paulding Putnam’s youth programs — particularly the scholarship program.

In 2024, Paulding Putnam expanded eligibility beyond high school seniors to include students of any age pursuing college, trade, or technical programs. These changes doubled the number of applications received and broadened the program’s impact within the community.

“Maddy brings energy, innovation, and heart to Paulding Putnam — and we couldn’t be more proud,” said Samantha Kuhn, Paulding Putnam’s marketing and communications manager. “Since joining us full-time in fall 2024, Maddy has proven to be a high-capacity team member with extraordinary bandwidth.”

That bandwidth has Lamb prepared for the cooperative’s next big chapter: fiber internet.

“Connecting our members and community with reliable electricity and high-speed broadband will be life-changing for so many,” she said. “I look forward to helping share that story, strengthen member connections, and create even more opportunities through youth and community programs.”

For Lamb, working for the co-op isn’t just a career — it’s a way to make a difference.

“I’ve always been motivated by making a positive impact in my community,” said Lamb, “and I love that Paulding Putnam gives me the chance to do that every day through my career and volunteer opportunities.”

Marissa Stout | Hoosier Energy

Engineering was a natural fit for Marissa Stout, senior reliability and asset management engineer at Hoosier Energy. That’s what led her to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering.

“I’ve always had a passion for math and science, especially chemistry,” Stout said. “I liked that chemical engineering offered opportunities across many industries and the chance to make a meaningful difference.”

Her introduction to the cooperative world came through a family friend who worked as a contractor
for Hoosier Energy. 

“It caught my attention that someone not even directly employed by the company spoke so highly of the staff and culture,” said Stout. “When I learned more about the cooperative model, I admired its focus on serving members and the broader community.”

Stout began as a generation engineering intern and advanced through multiple roles, including generation operations engineer and generation plant engineer. She has held her current position for more than five years.

Stout has helped streamline and expand system reliability analytics throughout her career, creating more transparent reporting for member cooperatives. She also supported the early adoption of a new data cataloging platform. She developed a dataset for system reliability that was recognized as a best-practice model and influenced data curation standards across the organization. With a strong technical foundation and a commitment to innovation, Stout plays a pivotal role in advancing cooperative reliability for the future.

“One standout example is her work in the reliability metrics space, where her attention to detail, interdepartmental collaboration, and proactive problem-solving have ensured that Hoosier’s data remains accurate and timely,” said Jeremy Price, communications coordinator for Hoosier Energy. “By consistently modeling integrity, accountability, and professionalism, Marissa has earned the respect of both colleagues and company leadership — demonstrating that leadership isn’t always about titles, but about the influence you have on others.”

Looking forward, Stout is excited about the increasing role of data analytics in grid reliability and asset health. “With all the challenges and opportunities facing the grid today, data will be key in shaping solutions.”

Adam Warwas | Henry County REMC

Since 2018, Henry County REMC’s average outage time per member has dropped by an impressive 65%. That drastic change didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of focused leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to improvement from Chief Operating Officer Adam Warwas.

His approach combines technology, proactive vegetation management, targeted line construction, and rigorous preventative maintenance. Every measure works toward a single goal: keeping the lights on for cooperative members. 

“What truly sets Adam apart is his ability to inspire through action. He holds himself and his team to high standards while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability,” said Melissa True, CEO of Henry County REMC. “His forward-thinking leadership and steady presence have made him an invaluable asset to Henry County REMC and a respected voice in our community.”

After graduating from high school in Monticello, Minnesota, Warwas moved to Valdez, Alaska, where he earned an associate’s degree and joined Copper Valley Electric Association. He gained a staking engineer certification, industry credentials, and a deep respect for the cooperative mission there.

In 2012, Warwas and his family returned closer to home. He worked at Hancock-Wood Electric before joining Henry County REMC in 2016 as a staking engineer. He advanced through several leadership roles before becoming Chief Operating Officer. 

His influence reaches beyond day-to-day operations. Warwas is a dedicated advocate for cooperative education, mentoring young people through the cooperative’s summer camp. He communicates operational efforts in a way that fosters understanding and connects technical expertise with members’ perspectives.

“One of the greatest privileges that comes with being in a leadership role is to provide the learning opportunities and experience to the team around you,” said Warwas. “In our industry, improving an employee’s skill set not only makes them more productive, but it also helps ensure that they go home safely to their families every day. I have genuinely enjoyed providing opportunities to our employees and others to grow their knowledge and gain skills. The operations team here at Henry County has taken tremendous leaps in recent years.”

At the center of it all is family. Warwas credits his wife, Emili, and their four children — Gates, Harbor, Stoa, and Navy — as his greatest motivation. “They turn every bad day into a great day.”