Board of Directors Election

Dan Tucker, Southwestern Kosciusko County

Tucker received his associate’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis and his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Ball State University. For the past 25 years, he has worked as a physical therapist assistant at Kosciusko Community Hospital outpatient/inpatient. He has been a KREMC board member for 17 years total. On top of this, he is a member of Beaver Dam Community Church, supporter of Wheels on Fire Cancer Crusaders, supporter of Riley’s Children’s Hospital, and he is also a husband and father of two children.

Why are you interested in running for the KREMC board of directors?

I am most interested in running for the KREMC Board of Directors because of my love for community.  When I first got involved as a director, it was more to learn more about how the electric cooperative worked and what went into the bill we, as members, paid every month.  Over the past 16 years, I have learned a ton about the electric industry, how the cooperative business model works and what an absolutely blessed community we live in.  Not only do I love working with people in therapy on a day-to-day basis but also love to help members of our cooperative figure out an issue or point them in the right direction regarding their electric service.  KREMC is a collaboration of caring and hardworking people that take a tremendous amount of pride in each job they perform.  I would love to continue my role as director as we continue to tackle the opportunities and advancements in the electric world, while still focusing on the reliable and affordable electric provided to each of our homes.

The value I bring to the board is my desire to connect with the community we live in and help ensure the values and issues that the people in the area have are represented in the boardroom.  I love to explore the innovations and opportunities the future holds for this community while being an advocate for each member.  To be part of a fiscally responsible and respected cooperative like KREMC is an honor and privilege, and I will do my best to represent the best interests of our community.

Deric Ransbottom, Claypool

After graduating from Warsaw Community High School, Ransbottom studied building construction management for two years at Purdue University. He is now part of a family-owned business called Ransbottom Excavating and Trucking started in Kosciusko County in 1969 that operates a farming, excavating and trucking business. He attends Mission Point Community Church and is a member of Echoes of the Past. Previously he served for seven years on the Kosciusko 4-H Council. His wife, Heidi, works as a vet tech, and together, they have 3 daughters, Cora, and twins, Kendyll and Caitlyn.  

Why are you interested in running for the KREMC board of directors?

My family and I appreciate the service and reliability that KREMC and Kosciusko Connect provide. I would like to serve on the Board of Directors to help continue that as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the future with increased demand for electricity and internet services.

Todd Smith, Warsaw

Smith graduated from Triton High School and spent one and a half years at Bethel University. He has also received his cooperative director certification from the NRECA. He worked as a UPS Service Provider for 31 years from which he retired and has been a full-time farmer for 18 years now. In the local community, he has served on the deacon board at church, been a youth group leader and Sunday school teacher, helped coach kids in basketball and football, served on the board of directors for NG4C, and served as a 4-H volunteer and spent seven years on the Beef Committee.

Why are you interested in running for the KREMC board of directors?

I have lived in this community my whole life. Serving on the REMC Board has been a great honor to me. I had the opportunity to observe my father serve on the board for nine years. When I think of REMC, I think of quality service to the customer.

One of my strengths is taking something that exists and helping it to become more efficient. One of my tasks while working at UPS was to mentor younger drivers on safety and ways to improve efficiency. I also feel that playing team sports growing up and later coaching younger children, along with serving as a deacon at a local church for several years, has equipped and taught me the importance of working as a team.

Over the last three years we’ve seen the internet expand outside our service area, along with phone and home security. I look forward to other opportunities that present themselves in the future.

Now that I’ve served a term, I bring more experience to the co-op by completing the Co-Director Program. I have been part of major decisions that have been presented over the last few years. I have really enjoyed meeting people from other co-ops and learning about the different experiences that they face.

Tony Siebeneck, Warsaw

Siebeneck graduated from Ottawa-Gandolf High School and went on to get his associate’s degree in electrical engineering from Owen’s Community College and bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo. He has worked in Kosciusko County’s orthopedic industry for the last 23 years in various positions. This includes three years at Anika, three years at Network Partners Group, and 17 years at Zimmer Biomet in new product development, where he is currently employed. He volunteers coaching youth soccer, basketball, and football. He also helps senior shut-ins with simple home automation solutions that help them gain mobility and freedom in their homes. He is father of two boys, Henry and Owen, with his wife of nine years, Susie.

Why are you interested in running for the KREMC board of directors?

I’m interested in running for the board of directors because it brings an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community. It gives me a voice in the important decisions that affect rates, infrastructure investments, and renewable energy initiatives. I’d help ensure that KREMC operates efficiently while prioritizing reliability, affordability, and safety. Beyond that being on the board will allow me to represent the interests of my fellow members, collaborate with other community leaders, and help shape of the future of KREMC and Kosciusko Connect.

Gabe Ayers, Warsaw

Ayers graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics. For the past 23 years, he has worked at Clunette Elevator Co. Inc. As an active part of Clunette United Methodist Church, Vice President of the 4-H Beef Committee, and an active 4-H volunteer, Ayers is heavily involved in the community. He is also a past chair for ACI Indianapolis. Together he and his wife, Jessica have a daughter, Allie, and a son, RJ.

Why are you interested in running for the KREMC board of directors?

I would like to serve the members by bringing my business experience and ideas to keep costs low and provide top notch service. I love to serve and support local business growth and development.

Matt Roberts, Syracuse

After graduating from Wawasee High School, Roberts got a bachelor's degree in farm management and another in agriculture systems management and his master’s degree in agriculture management from Purdue University. He started out his career working as a Purdue Extension grain storage specialist, then went on to work as a grain elevator processing society distance ed coordinator. He currently works for J+M Roberts Farms, where he has worked for the past 16 years. Locally, he is involved with the Lakeland Kiwanis Club and the Cromwell Masonic Lodge. For nine years he also served on the Farm Service Agency County Committee. He and his wife Mariah have two sons.

Why are you interested in running for the KREMC board of directors?

To learn more about how KREMC operates and their services available to members. Also to meet new people and network with others.