Share
We’re looking for a few strong leaders who crave cooperation, love digging into details and have a passion for utility communications. Are you up for the opportunity?
As a utility-owned marketing cooperative representing more than 400 organizations, Pioneer Utility Resources depends on members to guide the co-op. Nine volunteers from across the nation serve on Pioneer’s Board of Directors to oversee the co-op’s strategic plan and financial health. Nominations for new board members open March 5.
In 2026, three seats are up for election:
- Atlantic District, currently held by Roanoke Cooperative CEO Marshall Cherry.
- West District, currently held by Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association CEO Dave Lock.
- At-Large District, currently held by Seminole Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager Lisa Johnson.
Only one board member, Cherry, plans to run for reelection. Any Pioneer member utility CEO/general manager or board member is eligible to run for board seats. Nominations close March 31.
Expanded Board District Reflects Continued Growth
Historically, Pioneer’s board consisted of seven people, with three at-large positions and four seats focused primarily on representing Northwest utility members. As more telcos and electric utilities across the nation began using Pioneer’s solutions, the board and co-op leadership looked for ways to better reflect the growing diversity and reach of Pioneer.
In 2023, the board added two new seats to represent growing membership in the Atlantic and Midwest regions. Then in 2025, the board voted for one seat to change from a specific area to an At-Large position to represent all utilities nationally.
“The change in the district from three at-large to four—and from six geographic districts to five—was approved last year to give us greater flexibility in trying to attract a diverse set of board members from across the utility landscape,” Pioneer CEO Michael Shepard said. “Pioneer’s management and board have emphasized having a diverse board of directors in recent years, with diversity being broadly defined and including race, gender, geography, industry—broadband, telco, electric and association—and skill sets.”
The revised map focuses board representation in five regions:
- Northwest
- West
- Midwest
- Southeast
- Atlantic
The remaining four board seats are at-large positions representing more than 400 community-owned utilities, broadband providers and state associations Pioneer partners with on marketing solutions.
Current District Map
Next Steps for Nominees
Nominations close March 31. The nominating committee, led by Johnson, will interview candidates before presenting eligible nominees to Pioneer’s membership. Voting opens in May, and the election results will be shared at Pioneer’s Annual Member Meeting in June.
Board Nominations Information
Meet Your Board