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Who’s on the Ballot?

One of the most unique benefits of being a Pioneer member—and of any cooperative—is the opportunity to democratically elect fellow members to represent you on Pioneer’s boards. All trustee and county board candidates are consumer-members of Pioneer Electric and members of your community. They understand the challenges you face because they face them too.

Board election ballots will be available beginning Friday, February 6. Members can access ballots through SmartHub, by email (if we have an email address on file), or by mail.

Members may vote by mail, online, through the SmartHub app or account, or—new this year—by email. Those voting by mail are encouraged to vote early or consider an online or SmartHub option to ensure their ballot is received on time. All votes must be submitted no later than Friday, March 13.

Don’t forget to register for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Members! 

Check out a full listing of Pioneer members who are running for board positions in 2026:

Board of Trustees

Champaign County

	Suzie Schindewolf Geo Area: 1 | Conover Statement: “We appreciate the service and product from Pioneer Electric. The cost of electric is going up across the country, which is certainly a concern for members of the co-op. Service, maintenance, and commitment to the members are areas of concern. I’m eager to learn more about Pioneer Electric and how I can help the co-op and its members.”
	John Vulgamore Geo Area: 1 | St. Paris Statement: “Having served as trustee for two terms, I’ve learned how the cooperative operates and I will continue to evaluate its processes and propose recommendations to keep providing reliable electricity to our members.”

Miami County

Trevor Lavy Geo Area: 7 | Troy Statement: “A majority of my career has focused on upholding the cooperative principles—maintaining rights-of-way, restoring outages safely as a lineman, and training others to serve members across the state. These principles influence how I run my business and engage in my community. The experiences I gained traveling to Ohio electric co-ops through my role at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives gives me a unique perspective to help guide Pioneer and ensure reliable service for generations to come.”

Wade Wilhelm Geo Area: 7 | New Carlisle Statement: “I have been on the board for six years taking more than 16 classes to understand co-op operations. I aim to make sure that each of our co-op members are provided safe, reliable service at a fair price in our changing world.”

Shelby County

	Kenneth Alexander Geo Area: 9 | Fort Loramie Statement: “I’d like to help Pioneer Electric be more effective and efficient in every way. Areas of focus should include buying cheaper electricity, maintenance, and hiring and retaining good employees.”
	Roger Bertke Geo Area: 9 | Fort Loramie Statement: “I’d like to continue serving the Pioneer members to help make a difference for the future of Pioneer Electric.”

Pioneer Champaign County Board Candidates

Geographical Area 1

• Matthew Bost, Urbana
• Wes Duer, St. Paris

Geographical Area 2

• Danielle Bair, St. Paris
• Tony Randall, Urbana

Geographical Area 3

• Rodney Wilkins, Cable
• Brenda Windle, West Liberty

Geographical Area 4

• Brian Reed
• Dale Thompson

Pioneer Miami County Board Candidates

Geographical Area 5

• Teri Slover, Piqua
• Jerry Walter, Covington

Geographical Area 6

• Charles Elliott, Troy
• Daniel Rittenhouse, Tipp City

Geographical Area 7

• Tyler Mumford, Casstown
• Dan Sturgill, Piqua

Geographical Area 8

• James Sommer, Tipp City
• Jeremy Taylor, New Carlisle

Pioneer Shelby County Board Candidates

Geographical Area 9

• Jennifer Henke, Fort Loramie
• Josh Siegel, Fort Loramie

Geographical Area 10

• Eric Ditmer, Sidney
• Dennis Grandey, Sidney

Geographical Area 11

• Randy St. Julian, Botkins
• Neil Zumberger, Sidney

Geographical Area 12

• Randy Caudill, Sidney
• Seth Middleton, Sidney