Board of Directors
Board of Directors: Steuben County REMC is governed by a nine member Board of Directors. Each year directors are voted upon at the Cooperative's Annual Meeting.
Our Board's responsibilities include overseeing long-term financial planning and corporate objectives; strategic planning; governing rates and rules of service; operating philosophy and policy; operating budget; and the general manager evaluation.
Left to Right: (Seated) Corporate Attorney James Burns, President Wayne Gingerich, Gerald VanWagner (deceased), Secretary/Treasurer Donald Gurtner. (Standing) Vice President Larry Jack, Gary Michael, Gary Shough, CEO Kevin Keiser, Gary Stroh, Michael Kurtz, Stanley Gilbert. (Not Pictured) Ed Sweet.
James W. Burns, Attorney
Wayne Gingerich, President
District 7, Salem Twp.
Wayne owns and operates a 400 acre farm near Helmer. He custom feeds buffalo, as well as growing crops of corn and soybeans. In his spare time he enjoys restoring old John Deere farm tractors and is a member of the Steuben County Antique Power Association. He also drives a school bus for the Prairie Heights School Corporation. Wayne and his wife, Joan, have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. He is the Assistant Fire Chief of the Helmer Fire Department and is a Director on the board of Wabash Valley Power Association. He is the director for District 7 and is currently serving as President of the Board.
Larry Jack, Vice President
District 8, Steuben, Smithfield, Grant Twp.
Larry is the owner/operator of Larry's Repair Service in Pleasant Lake. He spends his free time working with antique farm equipment. He is also a director for Indiana Statewide REC's. Larry is the director for District 8.
Donald Gurtner, Secretary/Treasurer
District 2, Jamestown Twp.
Donald Gurtner farms 400 acres and maintains a dairy herd. He belongs to the DHIA and Holstein Association and is on the Board of Directors of Dairy Farmers of America. He is currently the President of Milk Promotions Service of Indiana. When time permits, he likes trying his luck at fishing. Don is the director for District 2 and is currently serving as Secretary, Treasurer of the Board.
Ed Sweet
District 5, Pleasant Twp.
Ed currently works for Swagger Communications. He and his wife Marlene have three children, Evan, Brandon and Danielle. He spent 10 years serving as a scout in the National Guard and 20 years working in retail. He currently operates a handyman service and holds real estate and auctioneering licenses. Ed is your District 5 director.
Stanley Gilbert
District 9, Otsego, Richland, Franklin Twp.
Stanley owns and operates a farm. He is retired from Trans Guard Industries as a computer draftsman design engineer. Stanley is a charter member of the Metz Volunteer Fire Dept. and was their first certified EMT. He and his wife have also parented 16 foster children. Stanley is the District 9 director.
Mike Kurtz
District 4, Jackson Twp.
Mike is a grain and cattle farmer. Kurtz Farms Inc., raises grain and hay, beef cows and feeder cattle. Mike also drives a school bus. He likes to hunt when time permits, but spends most of his time following and enjoying his children's sporting and other activities. He is the director for District 4.
Gary Michael 
District 3, Fremont, Clear Lake Twp.
Gary maintains a hog operation near Fremont. He also raises beef cattle and sells grain. Gary is the director for District 3.
Gary Shough
District 1, Greenfield, Millgrove Twp.
Gary is employed by the Steuben County Highway Department. He has an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology. Gary and his family live on a 29-acre farm where they feed out a few feeder cattle. Gary is the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief for the Orland Fire Department, and when time permits, enjoys hunting and fishing. Gary is your director from District 1.
Gary Stroh
District 6, Scott, York Twp.
Gary has been the owner/operator of G.W. Stroh Orchards between Angola and Fremont on State Road 827 since 1982, where he has apple trees and strawberries. The fruit and berries are sold through his farm market. He is a member of the Steuben County Home and Farm Expo Committee. He is an active adult leader for the Great Scott 4-H Club.
