2022 CoServ Board of Director Candidates

• 05/03/22 Disclosure Report (PDF)

*Personal

• Born in Sherman, TX
• Lifetime resident of Pilot Point
• CoServ Member for 33 years
• Married for 45 years; 4 children; 7 grandchildren

*Education

• Corpus Christi Minor Seminary, 1971
• University of North Texas, Bachelor of Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, 1976

*Professional Certifications

• NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) Credentialed Director Certification
• NRECA Board Leadership Certification

*Military Service

• None

*Community Service

• Active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Pilot Point, having served in various ministries.
• JustFaith Program, justice and service initiative.
• Past American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer.
• Past Salvation Army volunteer.
• Past St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital community fundraiser.

*Board Experience

• CoServ Board of Directors – 21 years. Past Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

*Briefly, what is your business experience?

• Farming; self-employed – 48 years

Please explain why you are interested in serving on the CoServ Electric Board of Directors.
My interest in CoServ begins at home. Both my family and my wife’s worked hard at the grass roots level to help establish CoServ in 1937, and we continue to be very interested in its success. I was elected to the Board of Director’s in 2001 and I am proud to have been part of a team that led CoServ to the strong position it now enjoys.

What qualities do you possess that would make you an asset to the CoServ Electric Board of Directors and its Members?
As a self-employed farmer for 48 years, making all decisions regarding financing, production, and marketing, I am well acquainted with these concepts. Good business judgement and emphasis efficiency have allowed me to weather the tough times that forced many farmers out of business.

What do you feel is CoServ Electric’s biggest challenge?
Our challenge as Board members is to keep rates as low as possible while maintaining the high reliability that CoServ’s Members expect and deserve. New technology and alternative energy sources have the possibility to greatly impact how electrical power is provided. CoServ must continue to be open to change and carefully analyze new developments to reduce costs, improve reliability and provide other opportunities that add value to our Members.

Please describe how you feel CoServ Electric is performing in its service to its Members and what you hope to contribute to its success.
CoServ is a very solid and stable cooperative that consistently provides affordable power to its Members with no gimmicks or fine print, and it ranks among the top electric providers in the nation when it comes to reliable service. Also, because a great majority of CoServ’s Members generously allow their bill to be rounded up to the nearest dollar, CoServ is able to support many worthwhile causes that improve the quality of life in our local communities through the CoServ Charitable Foundation. I want to keep CoServ focused on taking things to the next level. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead in the electric industry. I’ll help CoServ meet those challenges and take advantage of the opportunities in a way that enhances its value to its Members.

Any statements or opinions expressed in director candidate bios are solely those of the candidate and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, philosophies or views of CoServ Electric or its Directors, Officers or Employees.

*The information in this section of the director candidate bio has been certified by the candidate to be true and correct.

• 05/09/22 Disclosure Report (PDF)

*Personal

• Born in Dallas, TX
• Resident of Northlake for 3 years
• CoServ Member for 3 years
• Married for 10 years; 3 children

*Education

• Crandall High School, 1996
• University of North Texas – Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences, 2003

*Professional Certifications

• FINRA Series 7 securities license
• FINRA Series 66 securities license

*Military Service

• None

*Community Service

• Community Partners of Dallas

*Board Experience

• CoServ Board of Directors – District 7
• UNT Mean Green Letterman’s Association Board Member – 2 years

*Briefly, what is your business experience?

• Financial Advisor – 17 years

Please explain why you are interested in serving on the CoServ Electric Board of Directors.
Since being appointed to fulfill the remaining term of longtime CoServ Electric Board member Curtis Tally, who retired last year, I have found the utility business to be interesting. During my first few months, I have learned a great deal and now I look forward to hopefully continuing my service to CoServ and its Members. Our industry faces many challenges, but the current board has a great sense of commitment to guide and protect its CoServ Members while providing safe, reliable and affordable electric service. I want to remain a part of this group and continue to serve my community.

What qualities do you possess that would make you an asset to the CoServ Electric Board of Directors and its Members?
With a background in collegiate team sports, I understand the importance of teamwork, leadership and governance. These are important qualities an effective Board must have in order to properly serve its Members. Additionally, my career has prepared me to protect our Members and work in their best interest. As a financial advisor my work revolves around fiduciary responsibility and acting in the best interest of my clients. I will continue to carry these same values to my role as Director.

What do you feel is CoServ Electric’s biggest challenge?
Based on my recent experience as a member of the Board, I see two main challenges facing CoServ and its Members. The first being meeting the demands of the substantial membership growth across our service area. As our service area continues to see tremendous Member growth, it will take an effective team to guide through these challenges. The biggest hurdle still remains to be the after-effects of the winter storm of February 2021. Winter Storm Uri put an enormous strain on the Texas electric grid resulting in rotating outages throughout the state, and has brought continued challenges for CoServ. As we navigate the effects of scarcity of pricing, Winter Storm Uri, and Brazos Electric’s resulting bankruptcy, we are also faced with pending legislative input and tough decisions remain to be made. Even with these current and future challenges, CoServ will remain committed to its Members to provide safe, reliable and affordable electric service.

Please describe how you feel CoServ Electric is performing in its service to its Members and what you hope to contribute to its success.
CoServ Electric continues to be a leader in providing safe, reliable and affordable electric service to its Members. I feel very confident that CoServ will continue and succeed in doing so, while protecting the best interest of our member territories. The leadership and member-first approach of our CEO and executive team trickles down to all CoServ employees. I have witnessed first hand how CoServ and its Board members interact with employees and the positive effects. One example is our outside linemen who have earned statewide acclaim for their effective and efficient work. Another area that continues to thrive is our Charitable Foundation. Every year it distributes over one million dollars to deserving charities, cities and schools. This is all funded by our generous members who participate in Operation Roundup. I am very proud to be a member of the Board and the work I have been involved in thus far. There will always be challenges, but I am confident our Board will continue being active and engaged while working closely with CoServ’s leadership team. And I will do my part as a member of the Board to best represent the interests of its Members.

Any statements or opinions expressed in director candidate bios are solely those of the candidate and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, philosophies or views of CoServ Electric or its Directors, Officers or Employees.

*The information in this section of the director candidate bio has been certified by the candidate to be true and correct.