Delaware Electric Cooperative 2024 Election
District 3
DISTRICT 3
Hunter Emory, 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.
District 5
DISTRICT 5
Mark Abbott, 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.
District 6
DISTRICT 6
Laura Phillips, 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.
District 9
DISTRICT 9
Blaine Daisey, Incumbent
Blaine
Daisey joined the Board in 2018 after retiring as a Master Corporal
with the Delaware State Police. Born and raised in Sussex County, he
served his fellow Delawareans for over 30 years as a state trooper.
During his years of service, Mr. Daisey worked on the Delaware State
Police conflict management team, as well as the intelligence and
special investigations unit. He resides in Lewes, Delaware with his
wife, Rosalyn. Mr. and Mrs. Daisey have four children, B.J., Mariko,
Aya and Amaya. In addition to his duties as a board member for DEC, he
also sits on the board of the Delaware State Police Federal Credit
Union. He is an active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
and has volunteered as a swim and basketball coach for youth in the
local community.
At-Large Director
AT-LARGE 1
Mike Brown, 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 credentials 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.
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AT-LARGE 2
Jeffrey Benson, Jr.
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.
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AT-LARGE 2
Angela Biller
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 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.
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AT-LARGE 2
Jeff Chorman
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.
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AT-LARGE 2
Kyle Hoyd
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 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.
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AT-LARGE 2
Sherri Smith
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.
