David R. Carey, President
Soldotna, District 2 - Term Expires 2009
dcarey@ci.soldotna.ak.us
260-6413

I have been a member of HEA since 1979. I was originally elected to the Homer Electric board in 1988 and served as the President in 1989. I was re-elected to the board in 1990 and have served continuously since that time. I have been the chair of the scholarship committee and have served on the youth forum committee and the legislative committee. My work experience includes 25 years teaching, and I am a wrestling coach.

My goal while serving on the board of directors is to lower rates while providing reliable service and develop a more cooperative relationship with the business community and our residential consumers.

Hugh Chumley, Vice President
Sterling, District 2 - Term Expires 2011
262-4668

I have been a member of HEA since 1977. I served on the Homer Electric board for nine years, 1988 - 1996, and was president in 1992 and 1993. In 1992, I received a Certificate of Achievement for completing the Basic Director Training for Rural Electric Systems. In addition to my service on the HEA board, I have been a board member for the Ridgeway/Sterling Fire Service Area (1985 - 1990), and in 1993 I was a committee member for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Economic Summit.

Prior to 1978, I was a general oilfield and construction worker. I have lived in Sterling since 1978 and am the owner of Raven Contractors, Inc.; Chumley’s, Inc.; and Chumley’s Urethane, Inc. Through these business ventures, I provide employment for an average of 30 full-time employees.

My main goals while serving on the board of directors is to utilize my 22 years in business management to assist in establishing yet a greater dialogue between HEA membership and management and to help maintain a continuing and healthy operations policy!

Mike Nugent, Secretary-Treasurer
Nikiski, District 1 - Term Expires 2010
283-0802

I have been a member of HEA since 1987.  My board experience includes the Unocal Employees Federal Credit Union from 1993 to 1996; the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce from 1997 to 2000; the Kenai Chamber of Commerce from 1997 to 2003; the North Peninsula Chamber of Commerce from 1997 to 2003; and Homer Electric Association from October 2003 to present.

My work experience includes twenty-two years as a mechanical engineer, 4 years as owner/operator of a small grains and hay farm, and 6 years as General Manager of Agrium's Kenai Nitrogen Operation.  Presently I am retired and enjoying Alaska.

My goal is to represent the members of Homer Electric Association.  My main goal is to ensure that electrical service is provided as reliably and as reasonably priced as possible both now and in the future.

Deborah Debnam, Deputy Secretary
Sterling, District 2 - Term Expires 2010
262-9277

I have been a member of HEA since 1995. I have been a business consultant for more than 18 years specializing in business development, training, retail management and marketing. For 15 ½ years I worked as an electric utility company manager and have extensive, up to date knowledge in the areas of power generation, transmission and distribution in Alaska.

An increasingly complex business environment is affecting all aspects of utility operation. New approaches are required for planning, financing, operations, service and pricing. My main goal while serving on the board of directors is to prioritize existing and proposed programs to increase satisfaction on the customer’s side of the meter and minimize the need for future rate increases, representing the members of the cooperative with dedication and integrity.

David B. Thomas
Kenai, District 1 - Term Expires 2011
davidthomashea@gmail.com
283-4109

Resume & photo coming soon.

Bruce Passe
Kenai, District 1 - Term Expires 2009
283-4617

I have been a member of HEA since 1978. My board experience includes Kenai Peninsula United Way Board of Directors since 2002, President Elect for 2003.

My work experience includes commercial and home construction, twenty plus years in the Oil & Gas Industry, and Cook Inlet Area Manager for Peak Oilfield Service Company for the past three years.

My goal while serving on the board of directors is to represent the members of Homer Electric Association, my main goal will be for Homer Electric to be the finest electrical provider in the nation. This can be accomplished by continuing the core business of supplying electrical service, maintaining a highly trained, qualified work force and giving them the resources to do the job above industry standards with safety as the number one concern.

Brian Hirsch
Homer, District 3 - Term Expires 2010
hirsch@alaska.net
235-7164

I have been a member of Homer Electric Association, Inc. since 2002.

My board experience includes: Chair of Cook Inlet Alliance, President of Fireweed Academy, founding member of Growing Power, Inc., community food security organization, and founding member of the Sustainable Energy Council of the Alaska Peninsula

My work experience includes:  Development Director of Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, a coalition of 64 Tribes and First Nations in Alaska and Canada; Executive Director of Earth Energy Systems, addressing renewable energy and community development in rural Alaska; Private consultant to businesses, state and federal government agencies, tribal governments, corporations, Universities, and non-profits; energy analyst.

My main goals will be to:

• Research and develop alternative and renewable energy technologies to ensure the lowest possible energy rates for HEA members over the short and long term, thus promoting local economic development.
• Increase reliability of power distribution, especially in remote areas.
• Work with local contractors to promote renewable energy on new and existing construction.
• Increase training and job opportunities.
• Conserve non-renewable resources and reduce pollution from energy production.
   

J. Michael Pate
Homer, District 3 - Term Expires 2011
Mike_Pate@wellsfargois.com
235-8105

I have been a member of HEA since 1978. My board experience includes 14 years on the Homer Electric Board, where I have served as the Vice President (1992/1993), and the President (1994/1995). As a representative of the Homer Electric Board, I am currently the president of the ARECA Insurance Management Board. I have also served on the National Bank of Alaska Board and the South Peninsula Hospital Operating Board.

My education and work experience includes Pacific University 1970-72, Teamsters Union (Surveyor) 1972 - 76, Pate Insurance Agency, Inc., 1976 - 1999, and currently I am president of NBA Insurance Services, LLC.

My main goal while serving on the board of directors is to maintain a stable and economically viable cooperative and maximize the return to the membership.

I have been a member of HEA since 1981.  I have lived in North Kenai and Homer for 18 years and currently reside in Seldovia.

I arrived in Alaska in 1958 when there were unlimited opportunities to work.  I worked as a construction/laborer; mail carrier; telephone utility employee on the Kenai Peninsula (15 years); assistant big game guide; communications representative for the IBEW; and commercial fisherman.  I was a commercial pilot for Homer Air (12 years) serving as; Chief Pilot, General Manager, and Director of Operations/General Manager.  I owned Seldovia Air Cargo from 2003 until 2005 when I retired.

My goals are as follows:

• Ensure that HEA provides members with the least expensive and safest source of electricity.

• Reduce outages.

• Reduce our dependence on overpriced natural gas generation of electricity by looking at less expensive forms of energy such as geothermal, wind, tidal, and/or coal generation.

• Strengthen partnerships with other rail belt utilities to reduce HEA’s rates.

Providing electricity to new consumers is the best way to ensure that HEA grows and remains strong.  We must help all who want to purchase electricity for home and business to do so with a minimum of cost and frustration.

I am a team player who will lead when HEA members need me to.