OMEA Holds Annual Meeting and Board Elections

COLUMBUS, OHIO: The Ohio Municipal Electric Association (OMEA) recently held its annual General Membership meeting, which included elections for the organization’s Board of Directors and for Honorary Membership in the association.

The communities of Cuyahoga Falls, Dover, Pioneer and Wadsworth were re-elected to four-year terms on the OMEA Board of Directors. Those communities have been represented on the Board by Mayor Don Walters (Cuyahoga Falls), Mayor Shane Gunnoe (Dover), Mayor Ed Kidston (Pioneer) and Mayor Robin Laughbaugh (Wadsworth). The OMEA is guided by a 16-member Board of Directors, elected by their peers to staggered, four-year terms. Board seats are held by OMEA member communities.

“The members of the OMEA Board play a critical role in advancing and protecting the interests of Ohio’s municipal electric communities,” said Michael Beirne, OMEA Executive Director. “As our industry continues to evolve, the insight, dedication, and leadership of our Board help ensure that the OMEA remains a strong voice for public power across the state.”

Following the annual meeting, the OMEA Board of Directors conducted its annual reorganization meeting and Wadsworth Mayor Robin Laubaugh was re-elected as president of the Board. Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade and Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski were re-elected to the Board’s three-member Executive Committee.

During the OMEA General Membership meeting, the following individuals were recognized and named OMEA Honorary Members:

• Jeff Brediger – City of Orrville
• Stacie Brown – City of Tipp City
• Johnnie Burns – Village of Yellow Springs
• Shawn Coffey – City of Lebanon
• Tom Guthrie – Village of Marshallville
• Tom Gray – Village Monroeville
• John Linkey – Village of Bradner
• Tom Wilson – Dinsmore & Shohl

The OMEA general membership selects honorary members in recognition of individuals whose dedication and service on behalf of public power has been of the highest order. All of the individuals recognized have retired or will be retiring in the near future.