DEC Names New President and CEO

Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) has named Greg Starheim the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greenwood-based not-for-profit utility. Starheim most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Business and Industry Development at the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) and will replace longtime CEO Bill Andrew. Starheim was selected by the Co-op’s Board of Directors in May to lead DEC’s 170-person workforce after a comprehensive national search.

“The energy industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The board is confident that Greg’s expertise will guide the Co-op and its dedicated employees through these changes and allow DEC to provide members with energy that is even more reliable, sustainable and affordable,” said board member Michael Brown, who worked closely with CarterBaldwin Executive Search and other board members to select the new CEO.   

After decades working at General Electric, Starheim joined the Cooperative world in 2003, serving as CEO and General Manager of Delaware County Electric Cooperative in New York. From 2012 to 2015, Starheim served as President and CEO of Kenergy Corp., a 56,000-member electric cooperative headquartered in Henderson, KY. He is an expert in power supply, finance and in delivering high levels of customer satisfaction and brings more than 37 years of experience in the energy industry to DEC.

According to Starheim, “I’m humbled to be given the opportunity to lead DEC. The Co-op has some of the most innovative and committed employees in the nation and our focus will remain on how to provide clean, affordable power and exceptional service to our 107,000 members.”

Starheim will take the reins of the Cooperative on July 1. According to Andrew, “Greg will provide the leadership and vision to ensure DEC continues to be a national leader in renewable energy, conservation and innovation. He is excited to meet our members and visit the communities the Co-op proudly powers. DEC and our members will be in good hands.”

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility powering more than 107,000 homes, farms and businesses in Kent and Sussex Counties. For more information, visit us on the web at www.delaware.coop or www.beatthepeak.coop or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.