On Tuesday, August 13, Delaware Electric Cooperative had the joy and privilege of welcoming roughly 5,000 guests to our 2024 Annual Meeting, held at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Those in attendance were treated to live music, a community fair and the Co-op’s famous fried chicken dinner. Members also had the opportunity to vote in person for board candidates and to approve changes to DEC’s bylaws. During the business meeting, members heard from President and CEO Rob Book for the first time in person since his heart transplant surgery in November of last year. Book’s presentation centered on DEC’s achievements in reliability in 2023 as well as its mission to continue to provide the lowest rates in the region. Book also highlighted the organization’s efforts to maintain and develop a reliable and sustainable grid. The meeting concluded with the announcement of the winners of this year’s board elections: board directors Hunter Emory, Mark Abbott, Laura Phillips, Blaine Daisey and Mike Brown were all reelected to their positions, and Jeff Chorman was elected to serve on the board in the At-Large 2 position. Members also voted to approve the proposed amendment to the bylaws. This amendment allows the Co-op to reinvest non-operating margins back into the Cooperative to offset any financial losses or be used to create an emergency reserve fund to pay towards damages the system might sustain during major storms. Thank you to everyone who joined us for another successful Annual Meeting!
2024 Board and Bylaw Elections:
A full list of 2024 director candidates and their biographies is below.
A full copy of the approved bylaw changes can be found HERE.
Candidates:
Hunter Emory, District 3, Incumbent
Hunter Emory is a dedicated member of DEC's Board, bringing his expertise and commitment to service since March 2021. As a board member, Mr. Emory serves on both the DEC audit committee and the risk review committee, where he provides important insights. In addition to his roles within DEC, Mr. Emory has served a two-year term on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board, serving as vice chair of the insurance and financial service committee. In this fiduciary capacity, he helped to oversee the management of the $23 billion dollar employee benefit plan. As a staunch advocate for affordable electric rates, Mr. Emory has championed a fiscally conservative approach to debt-to-income allocations and worked to promote innovation within DEC's cooperative teams. His support for new infrastructure and advanced electrical equipment has led to several record years for Co-op reliability, with members experiencing fewer power outages and quicker restoration times.
Furthermore, Mr. Emory is committed to DEC's investment in local renewable energy, such as solar and landfill gas, ensuring a sustainable and stable source of affordable power for decades to come. He has also advocated for the Co-op to prioritize local contractors in its bid process for contractual work, which proved to be an important factor in federal grant monies being reinvested in the local community.
During Mr. Emory's tenure on the DEC board, the Co-op has achieved numerous accomplishments. The Co-op recorded year-over-year increases in customer satisfaction, culminating with a score of 90 in 2023, one of the highest in the nation. Additionally, in 2022, Mr. Emory supported implementing a more open and transparent election process, resulting in record turnout in the 2023 director elections. Beyond his contributions to the cooperative community, Mr. Emory is a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating The Emory Agency State Farm Insurance and Financial Services practice in Milford and Georgetown, DE. Mr. Emory provides personalized insurance and financial services to his clients. In his free time, Mr. Emory is an active volunteer in his community, supporting organizations such as the Georgetown Boys and Girls Club, local school district sports programs, and numerous non-profits. He resides in Lincoln, DE, with his wife, Jamie, and their two sons, Jake and Reece.
Mr. Emory feels his dedication to service, strategic leadership, and commitment to the betterment of his community make him a valuable asset to DEC and the broader cooperative movement.
Mark Abbott, District 5, Incumbent
Delaware Electric Cooperative incumbent board member, Mark Abbott, is a retired 30-year public school teacher. He resides in Georgetown, where he graduated from Sussex Central and is an alumnus of both Messiah University and Delaware State University. He has served the Woodbridge and Sussex Technical School Districts and Delaware Technical and Community College. He taught Special Education, Psychology, Personal Finance, Driver Education and Developmental Math. He is a former assistant scoutmaster with BSA Troop 95 in Georgetown. Mark and his wife, Melissa, have two children, Caleb and Nathanial. They are active members of The Grace Church of Milton. As he looks to the future, he is excited and humbled to continue to be able to serve you by advocating for safety, power reliability, economical renewable energy and reasonable rates for all DEC members. He also understands that legislative requirements must be balanced with DEC member needs. Mark invites members to follow him on Facebook at “Mark Abbott for DEC.” He says it would be an honor to continue to serve members and would appreciate your vote.
Laura Phillips, District 6, Incumbent
Laura Phillips is a native Delawarean with over 40 years working in the financial industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University. She has been on the DEC Board for 14 years and sits on the finance and audit committees. She holds the executive position as Secretary for the DEC Board of Directors and has earned her Certified Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director Gold credentials. Her priorities are keeping rates competitively priced, keeping the Cooperative financially sound, and maintaining a reliable electric grid. During her time on the DEC Board, Laura has helped implement measures that have assured Co-op electric rates remain some of the lowest in the region and that DEC continues to provide reliable power to our members. One way DEC has been able to offer affordable rates to members has been through the Board’s advocacy of strong financial controls and focus on controlling long-term debt. Our Board also supports investing in renewable energy projects like solar and landfill gas to provide a local, sustainable and stable source of affordable power for decades to come.
DEC supports solar projects that reduce dependence on energy produced outside the Delmarva area which also reduces the cost to transmit energy to our service territory. Through the installation of utility-scale renewable energy projects and efficiency programs, our Cooperative has lowered its carbon footprint by 45% since 2005. Laura has worked to ensure the Cooperative is proactive in using data and technology to provide new and innovative ways to improve system reliability. She has voted to approve investments in new infrastructure and advanced electrical equipment which has resulted in record years for reliability. Laura has been a strong proponent of DEC’s Beat the Peak Program, which has saved members $40 million since 2008. During her time on the board, the Co-op has also returned tens of millions of dollars to members in the form of capital credits, helping DEC achieve some of the highest member satisfaction scores in the nation. Laura loves serving Co-op members and says she would be honored to continue to serve on this Board.
Blaine Daisey, District 9, Incumbent
Blaine Daisey served for 30 years as a Delaware State Trooper. During his time on the police force, he became a Master Corporal who specialized in conflict management, intelligence, and special investigations. Now retired, he has served as a board member of the Delaware Electric Coop for over 6 years. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union, of which he’s served as a board member for over 20 years. At DEC, he is the Chairman of the Risk Management Committee and serves on the Operations, Board and Member Relations Committees, respectively. He received his credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate in 2020, which has helped further advance his knowledge in Director duties and liabilities, electric business, and strategic planning, to name a few. In addition, he is on the DEC’s Board Budget Committee, helping to oversee the board’s budget annually. He has played a key role in implementing policies to help keep members’ electricity bills low, and has the numbers to prove it. During his time as a board member, DEC has achieved a customer satisfaction score of 90——one of the highest in the nation. In addition, DEC’s own Beat the Peak program has resulted in more than $42 million in savings for members since 2008. Blaine is continuously advancing his knowledge as a key decision-maker for our region’s power, most recently completing his Board Leadership Certificate to strengthen his abilities to govern the board effectively.
A Lewes native and lifelong Sussex County resident, Blaine is a Cape Henlopen High School graduate and Frostburg State University alumni, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Finance. He has lived with his wife and four children on the outskirts of Lewes since 2006. A loyal member to his community, he has volunteered as a youth swim and basketball coach. He also is a Life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, and continues his involvement with the fraternity’s mission to assist the community with their needs. As a local, he is passionate about keeping things open and transparent for members, including being a part of the team that proposed and adapted changes that led to record voter turnout in the 2023 director election. And as a father, Blaine wants to ensure stable and affordable power for the next generation of Coop members, so he and the DEC have made sure to invest in local renewable energy projects, such as solar. He remarked, “I have been honored to protect and serve my fellow Delawareans as a State Trooper, and I’m thrilled to continue serving my community as a board member for the DEC to advance the future initiatives, such as, technology and renewables, as we continue to grow as a coop to meet the needs of our membership.”
Mike Brown, At-Large 1, Incumbent
Michael (Mike) Brown is a resident of Hartly and a veteran of state service, working for both the Delaware Forest Service and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, serving in management positions at both agencies. Mr. Brown has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Wilmington University and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from West Virginia University. Following his state service, he served 12 years as the Executive Director of the National Association of State Conservation Agencies, a national nonprofit that works to develop national soil and water conservation policy. In that role, he trained state personnel and conservation district board members on their governance roles in a variety of states across the country. He also sits on the Board of Supervisors of the Kent Conservation District. Mike owned and operated a small business, Clean Cut Tree Service, for over 20 years, and still maintains his ISA Certified Arborist certification. He retired December 31, 2022, and now commits more energy than ever to his role on the DEC Board of Directors.
Since joining the DEC Board 12 years ago, Mike has earned his Certified Cooperative Director credential, his Board Leadership Certificate, and Director Gold credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). These are the most advanced NRECA credentials available to distribution cooperative directors. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the DEC Board of Directors as well as the Chair of the DEC governance committee. Mike was elected by his fellow DEC board members to serve on the NRECA Board of Directors for the 2020-2022 term. Two years ago he was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, DEC’s generation and transmission cooperative and the supplier of DEC’s electricity. He still serves in this critical role as the lone representative of DEC’s Board of Directors.
Mike lives with his wife of 20 years on their farm outside of Hartly in western Kent County. As an at-large director on the DEC Board, he has the privilege to represent all of our DEC member-owners.
Jeffrey Benson, Jr., At-Large 2
Dr. Jeffrey T. Benson Jr. is a multifaceted executive and business consultant with over 15 years of experience. He is an adept strategist known for his exceptional ability to build and align organizations towards achieving peak profitability and delivering unparalleled client service. His broad expertise spans strategic planning, organizational leadership, sales and operations management, marketing, community outreach, and more.
His career is decorated with significant achievements, such as leading a $13.5 million housing development project that enhanced personal wealth for underserved families and spearheading high-value business acquisitions. Dr. Benson's roles have ranged from Managing Partner at Prominent Insurance, where he offered comprehensive risk management solutions, to Associate Director at Maryland Medicine Comprehensive Insurance Program, managing extensive commercial insurance portfolios.
An advocate for leadership development, Dr. Benson works very hard in his community to help others achieve greatness. Jeff mentors young men weekly in what he coins "The Gentlemen's Club." He teaches on "The 5 Senses of Leadership." The five senses include (The Sense of Self, The Sense of Value, The Sense of Consequences, The Sense of Power, and The Sense of Respect). Dr. Benson has also contributed significantly to educational initiatives, notably as the former Director of the Black Male Initiative at Delaware State University, focused on the advancement of black male students.
Dr. Benson holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing, an MBA in Organizational Leadership, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Wilmington University. He currently serves as Vice President on the Seaford School District Board of Education, and sits on the advisory board of Multiplying Good, Governor Appointed Delaware Board of Cosmetology & Barbering, he’s an Honorary Commander for the Dover Air Force Base, and is a Leadership Delaware, and Congressional Black Caucus Institute Fellow.
Dr. Benson has received numerous awards for his outstanding work in partnership initiatives, community leadership, mentoring and humanitarianism. His most recent recognitions include being named one of the Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40, one of Insurance Business America’s Hot 100 and is a Jefferson Award winner, to name a few.
His leadership journey is not just about positions held but is a testament to his vision, drive, and the impactful legacy he continues to build in both the business and the broader community.
Angela Biller, At-Large 2
Angela “Angie” Webb Biller was born and raised in Sussex County where her family has resided for more than six generations and, up until the 90s, were a part of the Sussex County farming community. Angie graduated from Cape Henlopen in 1991. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She has been employed by the Cape Henlopen School District for the past 28 years and currently holds the position of District Special Education Coordinator of Compliance. Angie has enjoyed serving on a panel at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for parent workshops and organizing multiple toy drives for Child Life at both Nemours Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has also volunteered with Dysautonomia International and worked with the General Assembly to have the month of October declared as Dysautonomia Awareness Month in the State of Delaware.
Angie and her husband, Scott, reside outside of Milton and have been Delaware Electric Cooperative members for over 27 years. They have two children, Luke and Nicole Elizabeth. Angie and Scott are proud members of St. John the Apostle in Milford. Angie recognizes DEC’s stellar record of delivering energy at the lowest possible cost. She is eager to further implement renewable energy resources and she is committed to ensure the Board continues to reliably serve its members and promote safety for its employees.
Jeff Chorman, At-Large 2
Jeff Chorman, a native Delawarean, is the current owner and operator of Chorman’s Aerial Spraying located in Greenwood. He graduated from Cape Henlopen High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Mr. Chorman has deep insights into the needs of Delaware’s farming community. With his extensive experience on various boards, including his role as Chairman of the Sussex County Board of Adjustment and serving on Delaware Electric Cooperative’s Member Committee, Mr. Chorman is well-equipped to serve our southern Delaware community. He is committed to ensuring reliable and affordable renewable energy sources for all members. Mr. Chorman feels his background in agriculture and business, combined with his dedication to service, makes him the ideal candidate to keep our electric co-op’s service timely and rates affordable. Jeff currently resides in Milford with his wife and two daughters.
Kyle Hoyd, At-Large 2
Kyle Hoyd is a resident of the Harrington area who currently works for the Department of Agriculture, serving as the State Forester who oversees 389,000 acres of forestland. Kyle works across federal, state, county, and local governments to provide the best land management opportunities for Delaware residents in three forms: technical, educational, and financial assistance. His previous work experience includes serving as the Deputy State Forester and the Urban Forestry Coordinator, where he served in a management position increasing public assistance both financially and through technical services. Prior to coming to the Forest Service, Kyle operated a wholesale and retail distributorship that served a five-county region in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Kyle has over 26 years of professional experience in both the public and private sectors which has afforded him the ability to work closely with his customers so that their needs, along with the company’s needs, are met.
Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry from West Virginia University and an associate’s degree in Forest Technology from The Pennsylvania College of Technology. Kyle is an advocate for reliability, cost saving efforts, improving services for the members, and ensuring customer service is the number one priority. He believes in knowing his staff, along with the member base, so that better services can be provided. He thinks local and wants local leadership in the workplace to thrive so that the people have a voice. When he is not working, he is an avid hunter, outdoorsmen, and conservationist with an emphasis on people’s rights to manage their lands. He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, son, and chocolate lab.
Sherri Smith, At-Large 2
Sherri Smith is a lifelong resident of Bridgeville where she lives with her husband, Matthew. She graduated from Woodbridge High School and became a teacher. Sherri has master’s degrees in leadership and administration, career and technical education, and special education. She is now a retired public high school teacher and assists her husband with their poultry operation where they grow approximately 100,000 chickens for Mountaire, as well as corn, soybeans, and sorghum. She is the proud mother of two sons, Christopher and Andrew. Christopher is a Spanish teacher in Wyoming and Andrew is an electrician in Maryland. Sherri says she looks forward to continuing to serve her community, the members of the Delaware Electric Cooperative and understanding how DEC can continue to provide affordable and reliable energy to the members it serves. As a partner in a poultry and farming operation, Sherri recently installed solar panels in order to help provide crucial electric power to many locations around the farm. The process has helped her understand the benefits of renewable energy and the role it could play in providing clean local power to DEC members. Sherri says she would love to be a part of the DEC team and thanks members for their support.