2022 DMEA BOARD CANDIDATES

Allen "Mike" Atwood
aaatwood@sbcglobal.net
650-906-8108

Click here to watch Allen's candidate interview.

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Employment
Retired. I consult part-time with NASA as a pseudo-pilot and with Aurus Advisors, an investment bank.

Family
I have been married to Jane Atwood for 30 years. My sister-in-law and four of her eight children live in Paonia.

Educational background
I graduated from Lakeside High School, Seattle, Washington. I attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for three years, majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

As a board member you would have fiduciary responsibility to the members of the cooperative. What is your financial background?
I have been the General Manager with profit-and-loss responsibility for a division of a large software company: Intuit. I have been the Chief Operating Officer of a small software startup. My duties included rising venture capital for the startup. I am the Treasurer of the George Small Pipeline Association. I was Chairman of the Board of West Valley Flying Club, a 1000+ member one million dollar revenue non-profit.

What unique ability or knowledge do you think you would bring to the DMEA board?
I bring a combination of management experience, engineering experience, and non-profit board experience.

Please list your involvement in community organizations or boards on which you currently serve or have served in the recent past.
I was Chairman of the Board of West Valley Flying Club, a 1000+ member one million dollar revenue non-profit. I was forced to fire the incumbent General Manager, hire a new leader, and revamp the financial reporting systems of the club.

I am the Treasurer of my local water company.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing electric cooperatives nationwide?
Our biggest challenge is the transition to green, affordable power. We have to continue to be a dependable utility to our members, while building solar and wind generation capacity.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing DMEA?
Our biggest challenge is overcoming local political opposition to our projects.

What does the word cooperative mean to you?
It means that we are dedicated to serve the interests of our members. We have to provide dependable power and internet service at a reasonable cost. We also have to partner with community organizations as a member of the community.

Do you agree with the cooperative business model? Why or why not?
I believe that the cooperative, member owned model is the best for any utility. It allows us to demonstrate that any operating profit is reinvested in the community. It requires us to be directly accountable to our members, operating under their guidance. It encourages transparency, and avoids the antagonisms that develop when the utility is perceived to be operating in the interests of outside shareholders and entrenched management.

What do you think is the most important of the 7 cooperative principles and why?
For DMEA, the most important principal is Autonomy and Independence. This insures that our members believe that we are acting only in their interests.

What do you feel is the primary function of DMEA? 
Our primary function is to provide dependable electrical power and internet service to our membership.

What is your vision for DMEA?
My vision of DMEA is to continue on the current path of the organization. Provide dependable service, be perceived as a friendly and supportive service organization, and be regarded as a member of the local community. 

How would you describe the roles and responsibilities of cooperative board members?
The role of a cooperative board member is to listen to its members, and work cooperatively with the other board members to deliver what our members want. We do that through building an effective and service-oriented organization, making business decisions that deliver the results that they want, and presenting ourselves to them as advocates for their needs and interests.

Is there anything about DMEA that you would like to change? If yes, what and why?
I just want to do what I can to make a good cooperative even better

Candidate Background Statement:
I’m an MIT trained electrical engineer/computer scientist, have run big and small computer companies (including a large division of Intuit), and have been chairman of a large, non-profit coop. I enjoyed the challenge of delivering dependable service to members of the largest small plane club in the country. I’ve been impressed by the service, software, and repair people from DMEA, am passionate about renewable energy, semi-retired, and eager to support DMEA’s efforts to bring affordable, sustainable power to Western Colorado. I live with my wife and extended family, who have lived in Paonia for decades. If you vote for me to become a board member of DMEA, I will put in the time and effort to advance DMEA’s already considerable achievements.

Jacob Gray
Jacobsgray@gmail.com
970-778-9512

Click here to watch Jacob's candidate interview.

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Employment
I am currently self-employed, owning and operating Diamond G Poultry and Gray Acres.

Family
My wife Sharon and I have been married for 7 years. We moved to the area in 2013 while I pursued an internship in agriculture, and she started her career as a Special Education teacher. She worked as a case-manager for Options for Long Term Care with the County, and is now finishing her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology.

Educational background
Completed 30 credit hours towards a B.A. in English and Education.
North Pointe Preparatory - High School Diploma

As a board member you would have fiduciary responsibility to the members of the cooperative. What is your financial background?
I have sat on multiple boards that have managed small budgets, and am the treasurer for the Delta Farmers Union and the Valley Organic Grower’s Educational Alliance . I also oversee the finances of my two companies, 10 years combined. 

What unique ability or knowledge do you think you would bring to the DMEA board?
In my experience as both a Planning Commissioner and business owner, I’ve learned a great deal of patience. Whether it’s engagement with the public or consideration of a business-model shift, I believe that taking the time to listen and consider the matter at hand are the most important steps in the decision making process. As a current board member, we've faced some tough decisions in my time on the board, and I make sure to carefully consider any decision that will impact our members.

Please list your involvement in community organizations or boards on which you currently serve or have served in the recent past.
Delta Montrose Electric Association - 2021 - Present
Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union - President : 2016 - Present
Delta County Planning Commission - Member : 2018 - Present
Valley Organic Growers Educational Alliance - Treasurer : 2018 - Present
Valley Organic Grower’s Association - Member : 2017 - 2020

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing electric cooperatives nationwide?
The greatest challenge going forward will be providing reliable power at a competitive price that meets market demands and works towards carbon-neutral goals.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing DMEA?
Our challenge is to continue to provide reliable and affordable supply to our members while prioritizing resiliency within our community.

What does the word cooperative mean to you?
Cooperative is synonymous with community. Cooperatives are the most creative and successful model in facilitating a true partnership between members and their organization.

Do you agree with the cooperative business model? Why or why not?
The cooperative model should be used in far more areas of our lives than it is right now. The corporate model is proving to be problematic in many ways, but the biggest issue is it’s alienation of those it serves. With a cooperative, members have a voice and a vote, a truly democratic system. They voice their concerns and desires, and it's the duty of the cooperative to respond.

What do you think is the most important of the 7 cooperative principles and why?
The principle “Concern for Community” is the most important in cooperatives. Without a proper fostering of community, a co-op is nothing more than a shadow organization. To provide all the benefits of a cooperative to our members, we have to foster a healthy community through education, community outreach, and transparency.

What do you feel is the primary function of DMEA? 
DMEA’s core function is to energize Delta and Montrose residents. 

What is your vision for DMEA?
I hope that DMEA continues to be a beacon for other rural electric cooperatives by leading the path towards renewable, reliable and conscious energy generation for our community.

How would you describe the roles and responsibilities of cooperative board members?
As a cooperative board member, I believe the most important role is to listen to the membership. If they have issues that arise, it is our duty to hear them and act appropriately. After that, fiduciary discretion and careful decision making are of the utmost importance for board members. Snap judgements should be avoided, and a board member’s duty is to collect all pertinent information prior to making a decision.

Is there anything about DMEA that you would like to change? If yes, what and why?
he only change I’d like to see is a more aggressive pursuit into the renewable market. DMEA has made great strides already towards self-reliance, and I hope to see us continue this momentum into the future.

Candidate Background Statement:
I moved to the area when I was 20 for a farm internship in Delta County. After several years of trying and failing to do things on my own, I started getting involved in the community. It started at Farmer’s Union meeting when the all but burnt-out board was looking for new energy to revitalize our local chapter. 

Shortly after, our parent organization, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union was getting involved in a bill to create rules around poultry processing. By then I had started a mobile processing enterprise with another farm and was looking to scale my poultry production, but needed the ability to sell wholesale. It was a perfect marriage, and I dove in head first, working with Colorado Department of Agriculture, the USDA, and other stakeholders. After trips to Denver, long conference calls, and 3 years of negotiation, we finally had our rules.

Once that battle was over, I was tapped on the shoulder to get involved in our Master Plan process to represent our members and make sure the county had us in mind. Once the Master Plan was adopted, I applied for the Planning Commission would be a sure way to make sure our voice was heard. Over the next 3 years we developed the Land Use code for unincorporated Delta County.

Now here I am, looking to stay involved in one of the most integral facets of our society: energy. Next to food and water, the production and distribution of energy is the backbone to everything we have built as a society, and it needs proper leadership to ensure the continued success of DMEA.

As a business owner I have fostered relationships with those around me to scale production and promote mutual benefit for multiple parties. I’ve operated under cooperative models that share resources, labor, and profit. What started as a mobile poultry processing endeavour with a neighbor blossomed into a business partnership that produces the most pasture-raised poultry on the Western Slope. I’ve learned that one cannot succeed alone, and it takes a community to sustain any system.

As a leader I’ve learned to fill the needs of those around me and follow through as a voice for my community. Whether it be revitalizing our local Farmers Union chapter, or sitting on the Planning Commission to ensure my district is adequately represented. I’ve always made sure to listen more than I speak, and never make a decision without proper contemplation. A good leader is but a mere conduit for those they serve.

As a board member of DMEA I plan to know our membership, continually learn about energy production and distribution, and help contribute to decisions that benefit the members. I am honored to be considered for this position, and know I can offer a perspective that will contribute to the continued success of DMEA.

Ken Watson
Kennethrwatson@gmail.com
970-275-2100

Click here to watch Ken's candidate interview.

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Employment
I work for Ross Reels / Abel Reels / Airflo Fishing Line as their manager of Purchasing and Sourcing

Family
I'm married to Alexandra Watson and we have a 13 year old son named James

Educational background
I graduated from Cherry Creek High School in 1988 and then attended Western State College in Gunnison. I graduated from Western State in 1993 with a degree in Business with a Finance emphasis

As a board member you would have fiduciary responsibility to the members of the cooperative. What is your financial background?
I have a degree in Business Finance and have 25 years of experience in accounting. I have lead the accounting departments at Scott Fly Rods, Gordon Composites and Black Canyon Jet Center where I was also the General Manager.

What unique ability or knowledge do you think you would bring to the DMEA board?
With my background in financial control along with my long tenure in Montrose and experience in management I have led both the Elevate Board and the Finance Audit and Rates committee for during my years on the board. Exit from Tristate's generation and transmission coop, negotiation and signing of our power purchase agreement with Guzman Energy and the achievement of 10,000 Elevate subscribers while I was on the board put me in an unique position to lead DMEA / Elevate for another term.

Please list your involvement in community organizations or boards on which you currently serve or have served in the recent past.
Montrose Manufacturing Association, Montrose Lacrosse Foundation

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing electric cooperatives nationwide?
Energy generation is transitioning from a central model where power is produced by large power plants and distributed over long distances to a model where generation and distribution are are scattered. Making good decisions about power sources and transmission pathways is going to be tough as more and more options become available. Consumer choice, the development of electric vehicles and central control of power meters are additional areas of concern for me.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing DMEA?
Maintaining contracts with the most reliable and affordable energy provider over the next several decades. Controlling transmission rates and reliability is a more near term challenge for DMEA. 

What does the word cooperative mean to you?
A group which forms to achieve outcomes which would not be possible for the individual parties.

Do you agree with the cooperative business model? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe in the cooperative business model. It has provided a structure for community based development and leveling of the field of play for rural communities. 

What do you think is the most important of the 7 cooperative principles and why?
Concern for Community is always my favorite of the cooperative principles. Without a community of like minded individuals who agree to join resources for the greater good, there would be to coops.

What do you feel is the primary function of DMEA? 
DMEA distributes energy to it's owner members at the lowest possible cost and attempts to improve their daily lives as directed by the owner members through the elected board of directors.

What is your vision for DMEA?
DMEA must continue to find the most reliable and affordable power generation while maintaining reliable and affordable transmission.

How would you describe the roles and responsibilities of cooperative board members?
Board members come together from diverse backgrounds to hire and direct the CEO to guide the coop in the best interests of the owner members.

Is there anything about DMEA that you would like to change? If yes, what and why?
If I had a magic wand, I'd wave it and complete the elevate build out to every meter. I'd fast forward the process of establishing a central transmission authority which was focused on the rocky mountain west. I'd market our fiber network to companies outside the service territory who wanted to use it to strengthen the business inside our service territory to drive more elevate profit to the bottom line and further stabilize the cost of power and internet for our owner members.

Candidate Background Statement:
I’m Ken Watson and I couldn’t be more proud of the historic wins we’ve achieved at DMEA these past four years. 

We’ve saved ratepayers millions, taken back control of our energy future, and changed the game for broadband in Delta and Montrose counties. 

I’ve had the honor of working as your Chair of DMEA’s Finance Audit and Rates committee and Chair of the Elevate Broadband Board, where I’m bringing a lifetime of local small business experience from financial control, aviation, and outdoor sport manufacturing to balance budgets and provide great service for DMEA owner members. 

Our brave exit from the Tri-State contract has saved us $10M and given us the freedom to increase local production from 5 to 11%, creating jobs and making our supply more resilient. Our smart new power purchase agreement has stabilized rates and saved us from the dramatic price spikes roiling the country. At Elevate Broadband, we’ve won $34 million in grants to get excellent broadband to the fingertips of our 10,000 subscribers. 

I’m Ken Watson and we’re building a nation-leading co-op right here in our own backyard. I’d be honored to continue working with you to keep costs low, service quality high, and new investment growing.

Tom Y. Sawyer
tom@tomysawyer.com
970-210-1024

Click here to watch Tom's candidate interview.

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Employment
I have been retired since 2016. 

Family
I have two adult daughters. I have three grandsons, a granddaughter, and a great granddaughter. My long-time partner, Vikki Bell and I are engaged to be married on July 16, in Montrose. Vikki is a commercial insurance broker, a former President of the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club, and has lived on the Western Slope for over twenty years. I am a native of Florida but have lived in Colorado since 1981. My extended family, one sister and two brothers, live in Florida and Kentucky. 

Educational background
I attended the University of Florida from 1968 to 1972 where I received a BSBA in Finance, with a minor in Economics.

As a board member you would have fiduciary responsibility to the members of the cooperative. What is your financial background?
I have a strong financial background beginning with my BSBA in Finance from the University of Florida. I have worked in officer level positions in banking, municipal finance, corporate financial analysis, managed financial planning for a computer manufacture, and developed and programmed expert financial systems for a Fortune 100 Aerospace company. I have developed detailed financial plans and financial models for technology startups that resulted in their ability to raise early-stage funding. I have written and published two successful books on financial modeling and strategy. 

What unique ability or knowledge do you think you would bring to the DMEA board?
I bring a unique combination of skills and experience including non-profit Board level leadership, financial acumen, strategic planning, marketing, and a technical background applicable to the DMEA mission. 
I have broad experience as a Board member of a large, Western Slope, non-profit, health care organization. I have extensive financial and strategic planning experience. I have written and published two books on these subjects. 

During my career I led the roll-up and strategic sale of three rural internet companies. I am a named inventor on seven technology patents that invent advanced methods of locating utilities and managing utility data. I have led early-stage technology startups and, on multiple occasions, developed business plans that resulted in early-stage funding. I was the managing partner of a successful Marketing agency.

Please list your involvement in community organizations or boards on which you currently serve or have served in the recent past.
I am currently serving the final year of my terms as a member of the Board of Directors of Hope West of Grand Junction. I have served on the Board Executive Committee for six years, served as Chairman of the Board in 2018-2019 and in 2021 served as the Chairman of the Hope West Leadership Transition Committee, tasked to find, recruit, and hire a replacement for the retiring Chief Executive Officer.
I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Wildwood Subdivision HOA here in Montrose.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing electric cooperatives nationwide?
At a macro level, I think the biggest challenge, is the accelerating push from policy makers for more renewable energy. It is the responsibility of electric cooperatives to navigate a responsible path forward toward renewables while continuing to provide reliable and affordable electricity. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing DMEA?
In a word, growth. The Western Slope is exploding with growth. DMEA must accommodate this growth while evolving a more diverse energy portfolio, in a changing political environment, and with increasing member expectations. 

What does the word cooperative mean to you?
To me, the word cooperative means the willingness to work together to accomplish a common goal.

Do you agree with the cooperative business model? Why or why not?
The cooperative business model is time-tested, and successful. The idea that a member has ownership, in the form of a capital account, and shares in the success or failure of the Cooperative is powerful and carries with it a sense of participation and transparency. I support the model.

What do you think is the most important of the 7 cooperative principles and why?
The most important principle of the Seven Cooperative Principles is Concern for Community. Concern for Community is the bedrock upon which DMEA core values must rest. Concern for Community is the starting point, the fundamental criteria, for selecting, prioritizing, and implementing DMEA actions.

What do you feel is the primary function of DMEA? 
Provide safe, stable, affordable, energy, and energy solutions, and fast, reliable Internet access to its members. 

What is your vision for DMEA?
I envision DMEA leading its membership into an energy and connectivity future that supports economic growth and a high quality of life. DMEA will continue to build flexibility into its systems, enabling it to effectively respond to changing cost, technical and political conditions. 

How would you describe the roles and responsibilities of cooperative board members?
Cooperative board members have three primary responsibilities; (1) maintain a supportive environment for the CEO, in the accomplishment of his/her operational duties, (2) provide strategic guidance and vision for the organization, (3) provide positive and cohesive representation of DMEA through community outreach, outreach to policy makers, and outreach to funding and other support resources. 

Is there anything about DMEA that you would like to change? If yes, what and why?
I do not have enough knowledge of DMEA to make that determination, now.

Candidate Background Statement:
The Western Slope has been my home for twenty-five years. I moved to Montrose in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Despite the lockdowns I continued to serve on the Board of Directors of Hope West of Grand Junction, and to teach adult learning classes on technology through New Dimensions. I actively provide on-line pro-bono consulting to young entrepreneurs from around the world that contact me after reading my books on strategy and finance. I am interested in serving organizations and people that may benefit from my expertise in business, marketing, and technology strategies. I seek opportunities where I believe I can have high impact and bring value. The DMEA mission is obviously critical to the ongoing success of the business and lifestyle future of the Western Slope. I wish to be part of that mission and I believe that I can bring value to DMEA by serving on the Board of Directors. 

Jock Fleming
jock.fleming@dmea.com
970-275-1808

Click here to watch Jock's candidate interview.

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Employment
Mediator and lawyer, Fleming Lowenberg & Cooling,LLC

Family
My wife Ann-Marie and I have been married for 47 years. We have 2 daughter, Melina and Anna, and a son John

Educational background
BA from Georgetown University and JD from George Mason University 

As a board member you would have fiduciary responsibility to the members of the cooperative. What is your financial background?
I have run my own business for more than 30 years. Before becoming a lawyer I was a middle manager with budgets of more than $20million. I have written a handbook on budgeting for city councils.

What unique ability or knowledge do you think you would bring to the DMEA board?
I have served on the board foe 3 years, and understand the issues that are facing DMEA. I previously served on the Colorado Utility Consumers Board so I have a statewide perspective on these issues.

Please list your involvement in community organizations or boards on which you currently serve or have served in the recent past.
Colorado Utility Consumers Board as stated above.
12 years on the Montrose Olathe School Board.
3 years on the Colorado Municipal Judges Association 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing electric cooperatives nationwide?
The rapidly changing energy landscape

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing DMEA?
We need to continue to create new local energy sources.

What does the word cooperative mean to you?
An organization run by its members and accountable to the members.

Do you agree with the cooperative business model? Why or why not?
I do agree with the coop model. It allows the consumers of electricity to have a say in the generation and transmission of electricity. The organization is responsible to its members rather than shareholders.

What do you think is the most important of the 7 cooperative principles and why?
Democratic member control. The Organization is run by its members.

What do you feel is the primary function of DMEA? 
The reliable delivery of electricity to its members at affordable rates.

What is your vision for DMEA?
To continue to develop local affordable energy and to continue to expand Elevate service to all members.

How would you describe the roles and responsibilities of cooperative board members?
Board members must be open to the needs of the members and must listen to those members.

Is there anything about DMEA that you would like to change? If yes, what and why?
I would like to see DMEA continue to grow local energy resources and expand Elevate service.

Candidate Background Statement:
I have served on the Board since 2019. I am currently the Secretary-Treasurer and the DMEA representative on the Western United Electric Supply board.

While I have been on the board, DMEA has gotten out of its contract with Tri-State for power supply, saving over $10 Million. This has allowed DMEA to maintain stable electric rates while expanding Elevate internet services to more than 10,000 members. Some of the money has been used as matching funds for federal and state grants to expand Elevate to more members. So far DMEA has received more than $35 Million in those grants.

I consider myself a champion for local power generation. I am glad I was able to help DMEA get away from the Tri-State restrictions on local power generation and look forward to continuing to increase local production. During my tenure, DMEA has expanded from 5% local generation to 11%. This will continue to increase in the next few years.

I have appreciated the support I have received from members the last few years, and hope you will support me in this election.

Ross Carder
carder.ross53@gmail.com
785-675-8304

Click here to watch Ross' candidate interview.

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Employment
Retired from Midwest Energy Inc. in Hays,KS. I retired after 37 years of service.

Family
I have one son and one daughter with my first wife. We were married 42 years when she passed away. I also have 2 stepsons and a step daughter with my second wife.

Educational background
I graduated from Hoxie High School in 1972. I also have a degree in Leadership and Administration from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg , Maryland.

As a board member you would have fiduciary responsibility to the members of the cooperative. What is your financial background?
I farmed in Kansas for 50 years with complete control of the financial responsibilities before turning it over to my son. I still own farm ground in Kansas. I had been on the Board of Trustees for the Sheridan County Hospital in Kansas for 10 years before I moved to Colorado. I also had fiduciary control as Fire Chief for the Sheridan County Rural Fire Department which had 90 firefighters on the roster. I also had the opportunity to be the Sheridan County Road Supervisor over 18 employees.

What unique ability or knowledge do you think you would bring to the DMEA board?
I worked for Midwest Electric Cooperative in Hays, Kansas for 37 years. I was on several different committees within the company. I have experience in customer service, employee management, and project management.

Please list your involvement in community organizations or boards on which you currently serve or have served in the recent past.
I served on the Board of Trustees for the Sheridan County Hospital in Kansas for 10 years. I was also the Fire Chief for the Sheridan County Rural Fire Dept. for 35 years. I also served on the South Highway 23 project in Sheridan Coounty, Kansas.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing electric cooperatives nationwide?
I think the biggest challenge is providing enough electicity for the demand that is coming in the future.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing DMEA?
The rapidly growing population on the west slope.

What does the word cooperative mean to you?
It means that DMEA is owned by the customers with a Board of Trustees who take the customers concerns into consideration.

Do you agree with the cooperative business model? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe in the cooperative business model, because one big business is not running the cooperative, it is the customers, through the board. It is a better model for the consumers concern rather than just making a large profit.

What do you think is the most important of the 7 cooperative principles and why?
I feel that Democratic Member Control is the most important principle. If the cooperative members feel that they are important, all the other principles will fall into place.

What do you feel is the primary function of DMEA? 
To provide cheap and long lasting power, whether it is solar, wind, hydro-electric, natural gas, or coal. 

What is your vision for DMEA?
My vision for DMEA would be to see it as a leader in the energy field.

How would you describe the roles and responsibilities of cooperative board members?
To be a good listener and make the right decision that improves the operation of the company.

Is there anything about DMEA that you would like to change? If yes, what and why?
I really don't know at this time. 

Candidate Background Statement:
I think working for another Touchstone Energy Company for 37 years would help me be a good board member. The energy grid will see a lot of challenges in the future and the electric companies will need to be ready. I would like to be part of the up coming challenges.