By Ann Thelen
Just like at your local electric cooperative, board directors help guide the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperative’s (IAEC) decision-making and represent the needs of the member cooperatives in their respective districts.
At the IAEC’s recent annual meeting, three new directors were seated following a nomination and election process. Learn more about each director, and discover their vision for helping to serve the interests of Iowa’s electric cooperative member-consumers at the state level.
Tony Lem | District 2
Occupation: Farms outside of Slater
Education: Ag systems technology at Iowa State University; diesel technology at Des Moines Area Community College
Family: Wife Ashlea; Daughters Avery and Molly
Activities: Restoring and operating antique Caterpillar machinery, volunteering with the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad steam crew, and spending time with family and friends. Member of Salem Church in Alleman and Heartland Co-op’s young leaders’ program.
Electric co-op experience: Consumers Energy (Marshalltown) board for four years.
What do you appreciate most about the cooperative business model?
I appreciate that electric cooperatives are owned and led by the members we serve, rather than shareholders who don’t understand the local needs of the communities we serve. Electric cooperatives have a genuine interest in the long-term success of the people and businesses we serve.
Why did you want to become a director for IAEC?
I want to be a voice for members of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives (RECs). It is an important opportunity to ensure we are participating in the debate within the halls of state and federal government – especially when energy policy is being decided.
What energy issues are the biggest concerns for electric cooperatives?
Our biggest challenge will be adapting the grid to meet the energy demands of the future. I believe it is essential to use a balance of generation methods for a reliable baseload while using carbon-free energy generation as much as possible without sacrificing reliability or affordability for the member-consumers we serve.
What future opportunities are you most excited about for Iowa’s electric cooperatives?
Electrification has amazing potential to create new growth for RECs that hasn’t been possible since the first wires were strung across our state.
Deena Moore | District 4
Occupation: Paralegal for Engel & Maharry, PLC, in Corning
Education: University of Iowa
Family: Husband Corey; Daughters Mikayla, Kennedy and Joslynn
Activities: Camping, horseback riding, kayaking, learning to golf, performing in the local theatre and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Member of Corning United Methodist Church and the Adams Community Events Committee.
Electric co-op experience: Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative (Corning) board for seven years.
What do you appreciate most about the cooperative business model?
The attitude of always looking out for other members in our co-op. We are conscious of keeping rates and fees fair for everyone. Further, that collaborative attitude filters out into the community through grants, low-rate loans and economic development.
Why did you want to become a director for IAEC?
I have worked hard to educate myself as a cooperative leader, earning my credentialed cooperative director designation, so I wanted to continue doing something positive that will benefit many members.
What energy issues are the biggest concerns for electric cooperatives?
My local co-op serves an area where membership per mile is decreasing, so adding urban development to our load would be beneficial. We are also seeing rising costs of materials needed to provide reliable and safe electric service.
What energy issues are the biggest concerns for electric cooperatives?
Cybersecurity is a top concern for every industry as well as government regulations and decisions made at the statehouse. We want to ensure we have a strong voice as legislators make decisions that impact Iowa’s residents.
What future opportunities are you most excited about for Iowa’s electric cooperatives?
Like all energy providers, we are being challenged to diversify our energy portfolio. Change always offers new opportunities to think outside the box without losing sight of our core mission of providing safe, reliable and affordable electric service.
Jim Miller | District 5
Occupation: Retired from farming outside of Fonda
Education: Morningside College
Family: Wife Rae; Children Benjamin (in heaven), Kendra and Timothy
Activities: Golfing, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, refereeing basketball games and attending Civic Center shows. Member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Fonda and various local Knights of Columbus councils.
Electric co-op experience: Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association (Rockwell City) for 14 years.
What do you appreciate most about the cooperative business model?
Being democratically controlled and the philosophy of cooperation among co-ops. We have a quote in the co-op board room that reads, “Every decision I make shall be based on what is best for the member-owners of this cooperative.” I keep this in mind as we do local and state-level work.
Why did you want to become a director for IAEC?
To learn about the electricity industry on a broader scale and bring the voice of smaller cooperatives to the table. I have earned my credentialed cooperative director designation and board leadership certificate, and I think these milestones prepared me to support state efforts.
What energy issues are the biggest concerns for electric cooperatives?
The top focus for me is cybersecurity. I am also concerned about climate change and feel strongly that we can move toward more renewable energy. Still, we also must have a portfolio that includes all types of electric generation.
What future opportunities are you most excited about for Iowa’s electric cooperatives?
With the rise in electric vehicle popularity, I would like to see co-ops involved in building and supporting charging stations throughout Iowa.
Ann Thelen is the editor of Iowa Electric Cooperative Living.
