Elections

District 5
Pat Smith-Incumbent 
712 Park Ave.
Galena, IL 61036
 
Pat Smith has served as a director of JCE Co-op for 17 years. She is a Certified Director, having completed the Director Gold Program and the Board Leadership Program. Smith continues to keep these certifications up to date. As a JCE Co-op Director for District 5, Smith has served on the Policy Committee, Power Supply Committee, New Director Selection Committee, Governance Committee and Annual Meeting Committee. She serves as the alternate for the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative. She has been a voting delegate for the National Rural Electric Cooperative. Smith stated, “JCE Co-op is a positive and supportive organization that works with its members to promote economic growth of our service area.” She endorses the proactive approach of JCE Co-op in its support of the Northwest Illinois Economic Development Board. Smith says that community solar farms and the build out of broadband and fiber to our members are examples of JCE Co-op’s commitment to “enhance the quality of life for our members.” Smith and her husband, Ron, are lifelong residents of Galena. They have three children: Kathy (Jay), Lynn (David), Ron (Lori), eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren. They have lived in the same neighborhood for many years. While raising their children, they have restored two homes on the east side of Galena.Smith retired from the Galena School District after 23 years of service. She enjoys serving her community. She was an organist at St. Michael Church for many years. She has served as a director on The Galena Foundation Board, The Turner Hall Restoration Committee and the Grant Park Restoration Committee. She has volunteered at Galena Country Fair for many years and served as Vendor Chair for 15 years. If elected, she will continue to represent JCE Co-op members of District 5 to the best of her ability.
 

District 5
Desiree Einsweiler
9732 US Hwy. Route 20 West 
Galena, IL 61036
 
Desiree Einsweiler grew up in Galena and graduated from Galena High School.  Einsweiler has an undergraduate degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. She spent the first part of her career working in healthcare administration, first as a Regional Clinic Director in Mason City, Iowa, and later as the CEO of Palo Alto County Health System in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She moved back to Galena in 2017 and currently works as the president of Lemfco Foundry. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Einsweiler is running for the JCE Co-op Board of Directors because she is interested in becoming more involved in the community. She is also interested in the regulations and technological advances in the energy sector. She believes it is an exciting time to get involved.
 

District 5
Peter Regez
11703 W Red Gates Rd
Galena, IL 61036

Pete Regez wants to add his leadership abilities and industry expertise to the JCE Co-op board of directors and provide bold, cost-effective, safe, reliable solutions today, while thinking about tomorrow. He said he believes that quickly expanding internet access is a key feature in JCE Co-op’s plan and wants to help expand the program. “With today’s mobile workforce, online education and increased data needs, universal access to high-speed internet is a necessity for our economy. It is also important to prioritize energy efficiency, conservation and ensure equitable rate structures,” says Regez. He has been a cooperative member for over 20 years and has served on the JCE Co-op Member Advisory Council since 2018. Regez earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. During his 34 years as an electrical engineer, he gained in-depth knowledge of the utility industry. For two decades, he worked at Alliant Energy managing projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, mentoring employees and creating a safe, diverse working environment. In 2023, Regez left Alliant Energy to start consulting work with Stanley Consultants. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a member of several electrical engineering professional associations. He peer reviews technical publications in his field and plans annual professional development events. At home and at work, as well as in the community, Regez works toward creating a better future by practicing sustainability. He co-organizes the Galena Green Team events and has volunteered with the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation and Jo Daviess/Carroll Solid Waste Agency. Regez lives in rural Galena with his wife, Hendrica, and their dog, Willie. He also has four children Lukas, Ulrike, Madeleine and Andre, living across the country. His hobbies include beekeeping, wood-working and playing guitar. 
 

District 7  
David H. Senn
1375 West Point Road
Mount Carroll, IL 61053
 
David Senn has been a member of JCE Co-op since 1982. He has served on the board since 2007, and currently acts as the chairman of the board. As a director he has completed all the courses to achieve Director Gold Certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He also currently serves on the executive committee of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC). NRECA has asked Senn to participate in its annual meeting and teach classes, three of which are scheduled for 2024. Locally, he is a member of the Mount Carroll Lions Club and has been a District Governor for Lions Club International. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Senn received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. After college, he became a naval aviator, achieving the rank of lieutenant. After leaving the service, he began a career in the brokerage industry that included a five-year stint in New York City and achieved Certified Financial Planner designation. He worked as a certified financial planner until his retirement in 2007. “Having had the opportunity to attend national and state meetings, sessions with our elected officials and education training sessions, I realize I have been given a leg up and placed in a position where my experience will permit me to be able to deliver to the members of JCE Co-op innovate, diversified energy products, which will allow them to grow and prosper in the century ahead,” he stated. “Our goal of bringing high-speed internet to our members and region is a part of this vision. We as a nation stand on the threshold of change. The future of energy consumption and availability of things we have become accustomed to appear to be in a state of turmoil,” Senn stated. “I believe JCE Co-op is positioned to provide stability during these trying times, and I hope to be a part of this process as we move forward.” Senn is actively involved in many conservation groups such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He and his wife, Shirely, have been together for 40 years and have a blended family of six children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

District  8  
Russell Holesinger-Incumbent
825 Middle Road
Fulton, IL  61252

Russ Holesinger has been a member of JCE Co-op since the co-op acquired the Alliant Energy territory, which included his hometown of Fulton. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2009 and presently serves as Vice-Chairman. Holesinger has had the opportunity of serving in several leadership positions. He is a past board president of Fulton Unity Christian School, serving several terms on that board.  He has also served several times as Vice-President of Fulton Bethel Church Council. He graduated from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1973 and from the University of Illinois Law School, with honors, in 1976. He always wanted to return to his hometown to practice law. Holesinger has been a practicing attorney since 1977, focusing in the areas of real estate and estate planning. He presently has offices in Fulton and Morrison, Illinois. He is a member of the Whiteside County Bar Association and has served one term as President of that association. Holesinger and his wife, Jan, have three children and they have been blessed with 10 grandchildren.“Serving on the board allows me the opportunity to contribute to my community and to learn more about the benefits of the co-op business model,” Holesinger said. Also, he appreciates the opportunity of learning more about the energy business through the classes offered to the directors, as well as the learning experience of working with the other Board members in the boardroom setting. “I have made some great friends through the years, and I have been honored to serve. JCE has assembled a great team of friendly, knowledgeable people who have a real desire to serve.” “Our co-op has been blessed with significant growth during my time as a director. I believe that the co-op model brings out the best in the entire team, which ultimately benefits the members,” he said.  “I am proud that JCE Co-op has also been very supportive of economic development in the communities which we serve.  It has been a privilege to serve at the Board level.”

District 8  
Ted James
640 N 4th Street 
Fulton, IL 61252 

Ted James is seeking election to the JCE Co-op District 8 Directorship. James has been a member of JCE Co-op for over 35 years. James is a business owner with NICET Engineering Certifications and special business degrees. He has owned and operated multiple successful businesses and has worn many hats including farmer, truck driver and fire equipment specialist. James is very involved in his community and has been a youth sports coach and a Fulton Firefighter, where he has held multiple positions including fire chief. James is accustomed to working with small and large groups to accomplish a common goal and has experience with construction and business expansion projects as well as working with government agencies. He has served with other boards and organizations including the Clinton Chamber Board, the president of the Complex Board, Fulton Rec Board, Clinton Downtown Board, vice president of the Junior Achievement Board, Focus Group Board, Thomson Melon Days Board and Fulton Downtown Development Group. James stated, “I am running for the JCE Co-op Board because I want to share my life experiences and assist others in promoting positive growth and improvements for JCE and its members. I am interested in learning the ins and outs of the JCE Co-op Board of Directors.” 
 

District 10  
Robert “Bob” Kuhns
19789 E 1650 St 
Geneseo, IL 61254

Robert (Bob) Kuhns has been a cooperative member since 1975 and became a JCE member at the time of the merger with Farmers Mutual Electric Co. Kuhns served on the Farmers Mutual Board of directors for over 20 years and was secretary/treasurer for most of that time. A graduate of Millikin University with a B.A. in Music Education and with two summers of graduate study at the University of Iowa, Kuhns taught instrumental and vocal music for 13 years in Iowa and Illinois. Kuhns also served as a rural mail carrier in Geneseo for 15 years. Now retired, Kuhns had his own piano tuning business for over 50 years and is a Lifetime member of the Piano Technicians Guild. In addition, he has 30 years as an emergency veterinarian assistant and maintenance man for his wife’s veterinarian practice. Kuhns has served on the Charitable Foundation, GIFT (Geneseo Is For Tomorrow), as a board member, treasurer and president. He currently serves as treasurer of JCE and Chair of the Power Supply and Rates Committee for (PPI) Prairie Power Inc. in Springfield IL. “I have enjoyed the challenge and experience of serving on the JCE Board as director representing Geneseo and District 10. I believe I bring a unique, creative background to the Board and I look forward to finding solutions to the challenges, keeping our system reliable and rates affordable. My wife’s parents and grandparents were lifetime members of our local electric cooperative. I consider it a privilege to serve the organization that brought electricity to their families in 1936. When we moved back to the area in 1975, it was an easy decision to choose our local electric coop over the investor-owned utility. “Some years later, one of my neighbors approached me about running for a board position as he was about to retire. I accepted and was successful in my bid and served on the Farmer’s Board until the merger with Jo-Carroll.” Kuhns and his wife of 58 years, Barbara, have no children but among them have 10 brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. They also have a dog, a cat, two horses, two ponies and a cockatoo from Australia. Kuhns has several interests, many involving music as he enjoys playing musical instruments, singing and writing music. He also flies his own airplane, enjoys bicycling, horseback riding and walking as well as being a home handyman.