Board of Directors
Front Row, left to right:
Bob Baker (read bio),
Richard Harlow (read bio),
Larry Carlson (read bio),
Vice President Joe Hathaway (read bio),
Jerry Peevler (read bio),
CEO Tim McCarthy (read bio),
Back Row, left to right:
Kirk Alter (read bio),
Bill Kennedy (read bio),
Secretary/Treasurer Brent Bible (read bio),
Attorney Jeff Helmerick,
President Curt Hudson (read bio)
Tipmont REMC is governed by a nine-person Board of Directors elected from among the membership. As a Tipmont member, you can vote for Directors at the Tipmont Annual Meeting. Each year, there are three Director positions up for re-election. Each Director is elected to a three-year term. The Tipmont service area is split into nine Districts with one Director per district. Please refer to the map below for the geographical boundaries of each of the nine Director districts.
The regular meetings of the Board are normally held the fourth Tuesday of every month and begin at 9:00 am. If you have additional questions, please contact Tipmont's CEO, Tim McCarthy.
KIRK ALTER – DISTRICT 1
Kirk Alter came to central Indiana in 1984, and has been a Tippecanoe County resident since joining the Purdue University faculty in 1995. A Purdue graduate, he received his MBA from the Krannert School. Alter’s areas of teaching and research at Purdue include energy and sustainability. His background is in the dynamic systems in buildings and industrial/agricultural processes — energy, water, air, light and waste.
For the past 15 years Alter has been very active serving the community as director of continuing education in the department of building construction management at Purdue. He is a member of the Energy Center at Purdue, and is on the executive committee of the Purdue Climate Change Research Center.
In his ongoing quest to understand and address the challenges of providing adequate energy re-sources to consumers at an affordable cost Alter has focused on both the demand side — energy conservation in buildings, and the supply side — energy production. He is a senior member of the Association of Energy Engineers, and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-accredited professional and Passive House Design Consultant.
In 2006, Alter was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for a year-long study of energy conservation and alternative energy production in Europe. In 2009, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) pegged him to serve as the inspector general for the technical monitoring of IHCDA’s $130 million statewide residential weatherization program, an energy conservation program designed to reduce homeowner’s utility costs.
Alter’s wife, Pamela, is a special education teacher at Harrison High School, where his four children have attended, or are attending now. His oldest son, Adam, has studied sound engineering at Purdue, his second son, Jacob, will begin attending Wabash College to study economics in the fall of 2010, and his daughters, Alison and Emily attend Harrison.
Prior to coming to Purdue, Alter was an energy services contractor for 21 years, specializing in mechanical, electrical and environmental systems.
Alter has a passion for sustainable energy production, delivery and consumption. He believes in providing for the needs of the present without detracting from the ability to fulfill the needs of the future. If elected to the REMC board he will do everything in his power to fulfill that commitment to his neighbors and fellow co-op members.
RICHARD W. HARLOW, JR. – DISTRICT 2
During my thirty seven (37) year career in manufacturing I focused on providing a quality product to the consumer at the lowest cost. I use the same principles as a director for Tipmont REMC. One of the most satisfying parts of my position is being able to problem solve for the consumers in my district. The most challenging part of being a director is making sure that we, as a cooperative, are making the best decision for our members.
I completed the required courses to become a Credentialed Co-op Director (CCD) and I concentrated on issues that benefit our members. I feel much better qualified to represent the consumers in my district. I authored and presented a resolution at the NRECA Regional Meeting, to have all Co-ops replace the old transformers with biodegradable soy oil transformers. The resolution passed and was accepted by all NRECA Regions in the USA. The environmental impact of this change is significant and the new ideas and technologies will benefit our members. My goal is to provide the most reliable service for low cost electricity.
The next few years will be an exciting time for the electricity utility business. At Tipmont we are going through a period of growth and have a number of capital projects planned to provide more reliable service to all our members. Also, with concerns regarding the environmental impact of producing electricity, we must keep a continuing dialogue of “Our Energy, Our Future” to make electric power affordable to all our members.
BILL KENNEDY – DISTRICT 3
Bill Kennedy began a long career in the Navy after graduating from Wainwright High School in 1969. After he and wife Anna were married in 1970, they moved to Greece where Kennedy was stationed for three years. From Greece, the Kennedys moved around quite a bit and saw the world.
Kennedy retired from the military in 1995 as a lieutenant commander. While in the service he earned an associate’s degree in business management from the University of Maryland. As an enlisted man, he was trained as an electronics technician and received extensive education in electrical engineering. Throughout his career, he specialized in communications systems.
“Doing an effective job as a director means making a firm commitment to the position members have elected me into,” Kennedy said. Directors, he noted, must make the time to attend not only board meetings, but various committee meetings, and state and national conferences. They must also be educated and stay current on issues in order to make informed decisions that will affect the co-op today and into the future.
“I take this responsibility very seriously and spend a great deal of time keeping myself knowledgeable on matters pertaining to the REMC and the industry as a whole,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy previously served four years as president of the REMC board, but he admits it’s still challenging to keep abreast of what is happening with the utility industry both on the local and national level. “It’s very important to know what the current issues are that may affect our co-op both now, and in the future,” he said. Directors, he noted, make decisions that will have a lasting impact on members.
The biggest challenge directors face, he said, is making sure they take care of the core business by providing reliable service at a reasonable cost. “This is a necessity to ensure Tipmont REMC is there in the future, providing electricity to future generations.”
Kennedy said he wants members to remember he is not just an elected representative, but a member as well. “I’m always available for members to contact and voice their concerns and views,” he stressed. Members’ concerns are discussed at each board meeting. If a member has a concern, he or she is contacted for a follow-up conversation after the board meeting. “Sometimes members don’t like the results, but each member must remember that all decisions of the board of directors are made with the best interest of the entire cooperative at heart,” Kennedy said.
BRENT BIBLE – DISTRICT 4
Brent Bible was born and raised in southern Tippecanoe County, near Stockwell. He graduated as valedictorian of his McCutcheon High School class in 1992, and then attended Purdue University, earning a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics in 1998. In 1995, Brent became a Trooper with the Indiana State Police. During 12 years of active duty, he had numerous opportunities and experiences, including being involved in the planning and coordination of the 2001 Farm Progress Show held south of Lafayette, as well as a multitude of sporting events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and working alongside REMC employees in 2005 during relief efforts on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
His last charge with the Indiana State Police was serving as a Captain in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, which is charged with truck and bus safety issues in Indiana. At that posting, he had supervisory responsibility for 125 employees and oversaw a $7 million state and federal budget. As the Department’s representative to the Indiana Legislature for commercial vehicle issues, as well as a representative to the Department of Transportation and the international Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Brent had the opportunity to participate in crafting legislation and policy aimed at enhancing safety on our highways as it relates to large truck and bus traffic. In 2007, a previous trauma injury to both lower legs necessitated his taking a medical retirement from the State Police. Since then, he has managed his family’s farming operation in southern Tippecanoe and northern Montgomery counties.
Brent’s wife, Stacy, was a pharmacist for over 10 years with Arnett Clinic and is currently a pharmacist with the Kroger Company, working at the Payless store on Greenbush Street in Lafayette. Brent and Stacy have a large family of pets and live south of Lafayette near the Tipmont REMC Pop Center Substation. They attend the Stockwell United Methodist church, where Brent serves as the Treasurer and Building Committee chairman. He is a member of the Mulberry Masonic Lodge and an Advisor at FarmHouse Fraternity at Purdue.
Brent states, “As energy costs continue to outpace other inflationary factors, it is important that we maintain the structural integrity of our REMC, as this has proven to be a safe, effective, and efficient means of providing for the electrical needs of our community.”
LARRY CARLSON - DISTRICT 5
I am a resident of Davis Township, Fountain County, and was first elected to the Tipmont board of directors in 1973. During that time, I served six years as secretary-treasurer and twenty-four years as chairman of the board.
Currently I am the representative for Tipmont REMC as a director of the Indiana Statewide Association board. I became a certified director in 1985 after completing several utility seminars taught by the national Rural Electric Cooperative Association. I served as a direct to the boards of the North Central Data cooperative in Bismarck, North Dakota and its successor the National Information Services Cooperative of St. Louis, Missouri from 1993 to 2008. I have also served on the Financial Planning committee of the Wabash Valley Power Association.
I graduated from Purdue University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in science, majoring in chemistry and biology. After college, I returned to the family farm, where my wife, Zoetta a retired clinical research coordinator, and I reside today. We are the parents of Jason and Amy, and have three grandchildren. Besides farming, I am a licensed real estate broker, a member of the Fountain Trust Bank advisory board and served four terms as the Davis Township Trustee. In my leisure time, I enjoy fishing, traveling and my grandchildren.
My goals as a director are to represent the member owners in ways that will improve their lives, by providing efficient, reliable, requested serves at reasonable costs.
CURT HUDSON – DISTRICT 6
Curtis K. (Curt) Hudson, is 54 years old and lives in Madison Township of Montgomery County. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Farm and Business Management. Curt raises corn and soybeans on his 2000 acre farm. His personal hobbies include water sports, reading, and travel. As a Tipmont REMC director, Curt became a Credentialed Cooperative Director as certified by the National Rural Electric Association.
“As a director, I would continue my efforts toward dependable and affordable electricity. I would be responsive to member's needs and questions. I would also stress the importance of promoting a safe and efficient work environment for all employees and the safe use of electricity by its members and children.”
“It is important for Tipmont to improve the electric service we provide. It is also important to initiate new services like long distance which enhance the quality of our lives by allowing members to save both time and money.”
Curt serves as president of the Linden Cemetery Association, member of the National Corn and Soybean Associations, Linden-Madison Township Historical Society, New Richmond Masonic Lodge, Indiana Farm Bureau and Linden Methodist Church. Curt and his wife, Cindy, are the proud parents of a son, Christopher, and a daughter, Courtney. Chris is currently farming with his father and Courtney is married and works as a school teacher.
JERRY PEEVLER – DISTRICT 7
Jerry Peevler’s first term on the Tipmont REMC board was, as he puts it, a time of “constant learning ... developing a complete understanding of the nuts and bolts of the everyday cooperative business.”
Part of that process involved completing the educational requirements to become a Credentialed Cooperative Director and to earn a Board Leadership Certificate through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Though Peevler’s tenure on the board has been relatively short, he has been very active. As the board’s alternative energy representative, he keeps fellow directors apprised of developments in that field. He has also served as Tipmont REMC’s voting delegate at meetings on the state and national levels.
“Right now is an extremely exciting time at Tipmont REMC and the energy field as a whole, with new and ever-changing developments in technology and innovations,” Peevler said. “My goal as a director is to continue to offer reliable and low cost service while operating in a progressive manner."
Peevler owned Acme Shuey Hauck Insurance Agency for 30 years before selling the firm in 2000. The agency is now known as Fountain Agency, and Peevler continues to work there as a manager and salesman.
Last month, Peevler retired from the North Montgomergy School Board after serving for 12 years. He is a member of the New Richmond Masonic Lodge.
A lifelong resident of Fountain and Montgomery counties, Peevler resides in New Richmond with his wife, Kathy. They are the parents of four adult children. The Peevlers enjoy boating, fish ing, scuba diving and spending time with friends and family — especially their grandchildren.
ROBERT BAKER – DISTRICT 8
I am completing my third term as a member of the board of directors and it has been quite a learning experience. During the first three years, I was adjusting to the “learning curve” associated with any venture. My learning was both formal and informal. The informal was learning all the ins and outs of the cooperative business. The formal was completing my credentialed cooperative directors certificate (CCD). The CCD is a rigorous classroom program of several courses designed and taught by the NRECA. Completing my CCD was an extremely valuable training opportunity. I still continue to serve as the board, and your, representative to Wabash Valley Power Association as a director.
Regarding my background, I am a retired school administrator working for most of my career in the Southeast Fountain School Corporation as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. My educational background includes an undergraduate degree with a major in geography. I have a masters,
education specialist, and PHD all with a major in school administration.
As to my personal life I reside near Veedersburg in Fountain County with my wife of 34 years, Nancy. We have one grown son Dario who is married to Anna and they have our only grandchild, Meagan who is not in the slightest spoiled! My hobbies include hunting, but most of all, horses. I have three quarter horses and am seen quite often riding in the Veedersburg area. Buddy, the horse I ride the most, and I have traveled as far as Montana, Wyoming and Colorado to ride new territory. I fully subscribe to the saying that there is nothing better for the inside of a person than the outside of a horse!
JOE HATHAWAY – DISTRICT 9
Joe Hathaway and his wife Alice have been residents of Fountain County since 1959. He has been a member of the Tipmont REMC board for 29 years. Joe has his Credentialed Cooperative Directors Certificate and his NRECA Certified Director diploma.
Joe says, “My goals as a director are reliable, low cost service and continuing to operate Tipmont REMC as a cooperative and in a progressive manner.”
Joe received a B.S. degree in Accounting from Indiana University. After college, he received his "wings" in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. After military service, he was employed by the Timken Rollar Bearing Co. in Canton, Ohio for 3 years. At that time, he decided to move back to Indiana and began farming. He has been retired for 16 years and owns 1400 acres.
Joe’s memberships include Kingman American Legion Post 384, former Fountain County Farm Bureau Board, Fountain County Soil and Water Conservation Board, The Veedersburg United Methodist church, and a former Millcreek Township Trustee. Joes’ family includes a son, Scott, and his wife Debby of Kingman, and a son, Randy, and his wife Ann of Veedersburg. They have six grandchildren.
TIM MCCARTHY - CEO
Tim McCarthy joined Tipmont REMC in May of 2007 and served as Manager of Customer Service until May of 2009. At that time he assumed the overall responsibility for the cooperative operations in the role of Chief Executive Officer.
McCarthy was born and raised in Thayer, Illinois and graduated from high school in Virden, Illinois. He attended Southern Illinois University where he received a Bachelors Degree in Communications / Journalism. Continuing his educational development, he then completed a Masters Degree in Management from the University of Maryland. McCarthy rounded out his formal educational endeavors by earning a Masters Certificate in Six Sigma from Villanova University.
McCarthy is also a graduate of the Montgomery County Leadership Academy (MCLA). He now serves on the MCLA board of directors as well as the Montgomery County Youth Services Bureau board. McCarthy is the President/Secretary of the board of directors for One Touch Security Plus, LLC, a Lafayette based secruity company. In addition, he serves on the Greater Lafayette Commerce Economic Development Council, the Western Indiana Sustainable Energy Resources (WISER) Exective Committee, and the Purdue Community Relations Advisory Committee.
Before joining the Tipmont team, McCarthy worked for 19 years with a large Midwest investor owned utility. His work experience includes nearly 22 years of utility management in multiple facets of the business including senior leadership, field operations, distribution dispatching, billing, collections, training, customer service, and call center management.
In these past roles he has developed knowledge in leadership level strategic planning, budget planning and management, organizational restructuring, cross functional process design and implementation, employee development, project management, vendor contract and relationship management, and labor contract negotiations and management. McCarthy’s leadership responsibilities have included the direction of both professional and bargaining unit staff throughout his career.
Since coming to the cooperative world, McCarthy has also completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Management Internship Program. This is an education program specifically geared toward the management of cooperative electric entities operating under the non-profit business structure.