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 1, 2, and 9 are up for election.
District 1: Gary Shough
Occupation: Equipment operator
Employer: Steuben County Highway (28 years)
Community involvement: Active: Boy Scout Troop 423 (assistant scoutmaster), Orland Community Volunteer Fire Department (assistant fire chief), Steuben County 4-H Shooting Sports (muzzleloader instructor). Former: 4-H Fair Board (president)
Special recognitions: Credential Cooperative Director Certificate, Board Leadership Certificate, and the Director Gold Certificate, American Legion Firefighter of the Year, Friends of 4-H Award
Family: Married to wife, Kelly, two children, and seven grandchildren
Interests: Enjoys woodworking, raising cattle with brother-in-law and nephew, and helping grandchildren’s 4-H projects.
Why are you running for office? I just helped hire a new CEO and would like to help keep the cooperative moving in a positive direction for the members and employees.
District 2: Gus Reed
Military service: US Air Force (1981 to 1986)
Occupation: Aerospace engineer
Employer: Retired from Department of Defense- Air Force Research Lab (41 years)
Degree/certification: Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Tri State University, Master’s in Business Administration from University of Phoenix, graduate of Air War College
Community involvement: Trine University Alumni Assoc. (board of directors), Indian Lakes Management Society (board of directors), Steuben County Lakes Council (president elect), Snow Lake Cottagers Association (president), American Legion Post 423, Orland
Special recognitions: Credential Cooperative Director Certificate, Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award
Family: Married to wife, Cheryl, six children, and four grandchildren
Interests: Enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, and spending time with his kids and grandchildren.
Why are you running for office? I want to spend time in my retirement serving and giving back to my community.
District 9: Marc Nelson
Occupation: Maintenance (retired); Transport driver
Employer: Retired owner of Nelson’s Carpet Service (30-plus years); Star Transportation (two years)
Community involvement: Indiana Electric Cooperative (board)
Special recognitions: Credential Cooperative Director Certificate, Board Leadership Certificate, and the Director Gold Certificate
Family: Married to wife, Robbie, for 45 years, four children, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren
Interests: Enjoys riding motorcycles, traveling, fishing, camping, and spending time with family.
Why are you running for office? It has always intrigued me to see the co-op’s challenges and opportunities transform into rewards. I want to thank our members for believing in me over the years and hope to continue to have their support in the future.
