Ken Swope (Left) and Bob Hance (Right)
Jerry Akers (Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative) and Ken Swope (Midwest Energy Cooperative) have both retired from their positions on the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) Board of Directors.
Swope was a MECA Board member for over 20 years, providing particular guidance on legislative issues, including visiting with Michigan members of Congress during the annual NRECA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Swope has also retired from his position on the Midwest board, where he served for 25 years and helped lead the co-op through the merger that formed today’s Midwest Energy Cooperative, several challenging subsidiary business launches and closures, a CEO transition, and a major power supply transition, in addition to the regular issues that boards handle. ”Ken brought wisdom to chaos, laughter to the mundane, and faithful service to those who entrusted him,” notes Midwest CEO Bob Hance, in a warm tribute in the September issue of Michigan Country Lines.
Swope now lives full-time in Florida, and anyone wanting to contact him may do so at 3217 Golden Eagle Lane, Sarasota, FL 34231.
Jerry Akers
Jerry Akers has resigned his position on both the MECA and Wolverine Power Cooperative (Wolverine) boards, as his career is taking him in a new direction. Akers has an electrical engineering degree from Michigan Technological University, and has worked for Consumers Energy, General Electric Company, and currently works for Herman Miller, Inc. He was appointed to the Wolverine board in March 2005. Akers will continue serving on Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative’s board.
“Jerry served the Wolverine board during a time of incredible growth,” expresses Eric Baker, Wolverine CEO. “He was dedicated, knowledgeable, and he offered an important industrial perspective during board deliberations. We wish him well.”
Craig Borr, MECA CEO, also commends Akers on his commitment to the MECA board. “Jerry has served the MECA board for over a decade and has been a very strong contributor, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and energy policy.”
“Both Ken and Jerry will be missed,” Borr said.