Meet the Candidates

Did you know Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is member-owned and operated? Co-ops are democratic organizations whose members have equal voting rights and can influence policies and decisions by participating in co-op elections. This concept, called Democratic Member Control, is one of the principles that guide our daily operations.

In this year’s election, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative members will elect three trustees in districts 6, 7, and 8.

Co-op trustees are members just like you. They serve on the co-op’s board to help make decisions on the members’ behalf. Board members ensure the co-op always operates in the best interest of its members.

As a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, your vote is your voice, and it can be used to shape the future of your co-op! We encourage members to participate in the election.

Voting Information:

Online – Click on Vote Now. Log in using your member number and election passcode, which are listed on your ballot.

Through SmartHub – Log into SmartHub and select the “Vote Now” button to access your ballot.

By Mail – Simply complete the ballot and mail it using the provided return envelope. Allow sufficient time for mail delivery. Due to postal service delays, you are encouraged to vote online or through SmartHub to ensure you ballot is received on time.

The 2026 election will begin March 23 and ends April 28. All ballots must be received by April 28 to be counted. Results will be shared during our virtual annual meeting April 30, on our website, and in Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.

Deadline to Vote is April 28

Steve Grote - District 6

Morgan Township

Family
Wife - Amy Grote, Children - Nicholas, Brent, Alena, Jessica and Lydia, 3 Grand Children

Education
Miami University - BS in Paper Science and Engineering; AS in Mechanical Engineering Technology

Employment
Business Development Manager Solenis LLC...Specialty Chemical Company

Leadership and community activities
Past member of the Ross and Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department with over 20 years of service between both. Active member of the Morgan Township Board of Zoning Appeals..Starting my 21st year.

What do you do in your free time?
My wife and I enjoy spending our free time on the lake along with exploring the mountains of WV in our side by side. The county fairs are a big hit as some of our children showed cattle and hogs.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?
As indicated above, I have a long history of community service and have enjoyed serving the community in those different fashions. The Butler Rural Board is the next challenge for myself to utilize my experiences to participate and contribute to continuing to maintain Butler Rural the great co-op it is.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
I believe, with any business, for profit or nonprofit such as the co-op, being competitive in an ever-changing environment is the biggest challenge. This has to be maintained without sacrifice to the customers you serve.

How would you fulfill our mission?
Using my career experiences, ensure we continue providing reliable and affordable services to our co-op members.

Darryl D. Huff - District 6

Morgan Township

Family
Married to my wife, Donna, for 53 years. We have two children, daughter, Deana Fackey, Son, Devin Huff and four grandchildren.

Education
Graduated from Ross High School, Miami University degree in Real Estate Law, Ross High School Alumni - President Employment Retired Sales Manager, Thomas McConnell Cadillac 10 years, Manager Goodwood Store, Ross, Ohio, Security for Argosy Casino, United State Postal Driver, Morgan Twp. Trustee, 16 years

Leadership and community activities
Morgan Ross Athletic Assoc. Trustee, Ross Select Baseball Manager and Organizer, Ross Little Pro Coach, Ross High School Booster Member, Morgan Twp. 4-H Member, Morgan Twp. Historical Society, Pres. of (CAP) Citizens Against Pollution to stop dumping Sludge in Morgan Township, Morgan Township Resident of the Fernald Citizens Task Force, Member of the Citizens Reuse Committee, Emergency Management Agency Executive Board, Red Cross Volunteer, Hamilton Antique Car Club Member

What do you do in your free time?
Spend time coaching my grandchildren and helping with their 4-H Projects.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I’m a very active person and excited to explore something I’ve never been a part of that serves the public and myself.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Finding ways of providing the highest quality of product and service while Keeping cost as low as possible.

How would you fulfill our mission?
I feel very comfortable in speaking to the public and answering their questions, because as my past experience as trustee.

Darryl Huff was nominated by petition. To submit a petition, Darryl collected 25 signatures from cooperative members and was interviewed by the nominating committee. The committee determined Darryl is qualified to run for the board of trustees.

Mike Lampe - District 6

Morgan Township

Family
One daughter, Marina Lampe-Donohue, and two grandchildren. My wife Lisa and I live In Morgan Township.

Education
30 year Butler Rural Electric member. I grew up working in my family’s electrical business, Ferd Lampe Electric. I completed a College internship at Cincinnati Gas and Electric. Attended University of Cincinnati and Harrison High School.

Employment
Prior auxiliary police officer with Ross Township. Active police officer and detective with Green Township, serving nearly 30 years. My roles included Patrol, Training, DARE Officer, SWAT Hostage Negotiator, and current Detective. I investigate and solve complex cases, working with courts and the public. I read, interpret and apply Ohio law. I help hire and train officers and served 15 years on the FOP wage negotiating team. Awarded Officer of the Year twice.

Leadership and community activities
Former auxiliary Ross Township Police officer. Taught DARE to 5th graders. Coached St. Johns basketball and Cincy West soccer, Volunteered at church festivals, current parishioner St. Aloysius Church, Shandon.

What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy family time, boating, travel, and off-road vehicles.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I bring decades of public service, honesty, education, and common sense—committed to reliable, affordable electric service.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Addressing a growing electric demand. Keeping costs low and providing good value.

How would you fulfill our mission?
Listen to members, be fiscally responsible, and work hard keeping Butler Rural Electric strong for the future.

Melissa Hays - District 7

Hanover Township

Family
Married 19 years to my husband, Derek, with two daughters.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies (Planning and Administration) from the College of Charleston, SC, and a Public Administration Master’s from Villanova University. American Institute Certified Planner.

Employment
Over 20 years of experience in local government, specializing in community development for localities such as Las Vegas, Anderson Township, and Montgomery. I currently serve as the Chief Building Official for the City of Springdale.

Leadership and community activities
As Director of a building department, I lead a multidisciplinary team including building inspectors, administrative staff, a plans examiner, as well as the city planner and city engineer. Active in the American Planners Association.

What do you do in your free time?
My husband and I own and operate SunWake Farm, raising beef cattle and chickens. I enjoy farming, spending time with family, and a good cup of coffee.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?
To help maintain reliable, affordable power for our community and to position us to successfully navigate future challenges.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Balancing development growth and the increasing demand for electricity. In addition, ensuring a dependable power supply to customers, while keeping rates affordable.

How would you fulfill our mission?
By engaging with our members, understanding their concerns, and remaining informed about the issues facing our cooperative.

Michael Tilton - District 7

Hanover Township

Family
Wife Teresa, children; Laurel, Olivia and Clark

Education
Talawanda HS, and Miami University. Certifications through National Rural Electrical Cooperative; Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, Director Gold Credentials.

Employment
Retired Chief Deputy Auditor, Butler County Auditor’s Office.

Leadership and community activities
Secretary/Treasurer Butler Rural Electric. Board Trustee 20+ years. Butler County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol since 1994. Instructor Butler County Sharpshooters 4H club. Past; Butler County Farm Bureau Board, Butler County law Library Board, Hanover Township Park Committee.

What do you do in your free time?
Woodworking, Bee keeping, Muzzleloading

Why are you interested in serving on the board?
As a board member I can help ensure members have reliable and affordable electricity. The board ensures the cooperative operates in a manner that respects the core habits of cooperatives, which includes democratic member control, concern for community, and the collective benefit of members instead of an outside shareholder profit.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
As members invest in electric Vehicles (EV) we need to ensure our distribution system can handle increased use by EV by encouraging non peak hour charging. Data Centers could be an issue in our area unless the companies that build them insure they have enough energy generation without harming cooperative members.

How would you fulfill our mission?
By communicating with our state and national legislators on issues that can affect electric cooperative members. Board members need to continue to educate themselves on the changing environment of electric generation and transmission systems.

John Broering Sr. - District 8

Harrison Township

Family
Six adult children, 9 grandchildren

Education
Chemical Engineering Degree from UC, Mechanical Engineering Degree from Miami University

Employment
Consulting Engineer - 40+ years in the manufacturing sector

Leadership and community activities
Co-op member for over 40 years. Member of Harrison High School STEM program advisory board, regular blood donor, assist with youth sports activities.

What do you do in your free time?
Taking care of home, spending time with family, and traveling.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?
My manufacturing background and training have exposed me to the needs of industry as well as the needs of society in general. I’ve learned to seek better solutions to problems individuals and businesses face daily. Through travels and exposure to the technical world, I’ve seen how different regions and countries deal with providing for energy needs. This includes what works well, and what doesn’t efficiently meet the needs of the people.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
Population and business growth in our area is demanding a greater supply of reliable and affordable energy. Providing this is the challenge facing not only our co-op, but energy providers throughout the country and the world.

How would you fulfill our mission?
I would work with board members to develop plans and decisions that would continue to provide energy to co-op members as affordably as possible, and make changes necessary to maintain the high reliability of energy supply that people rely on.

Victoria Corder - District 8

Crosby Township

Family
I have a wonderful husband Tim, and one son, Lucas.

Education
Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of Cincinnati, Master’s of Accountancy from Northern Kentucky University

Employment
I’ve spent the past 12 years working in finance for several Fortune 500 corporations. I currently work for Nuvei, an international technology company.

Leadership and community activities
I’ve led a team for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb for 11 years, and I’m an active member of the Trailhead Ladies Group. I’ve also volunteered for the Harrison Mayor’s Fund, and the Harrison Recreation Commission.

What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy traveling, crafting, exploring the outdoors, and home improvement projects.

Why are you interested in serving on the board?
I want to ensure the cooperative continues to provide all members with reliable, affordable service, and effectively adapts to changes impacting the energy industry. My experience in financial management allows me to give back to the community by helping ensure the continued future success of the cooperative.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cooperative?
The increased energy demands of emerging technologies and rapid development, as well as changing regulations and the adoption of renewable energy sources all pose significant challenges.

How would you fulfill our mission?
I will bring a fresh perspective to the board, and represent all members, voicing their concerns and working to ensure the co-op continues to provide reliable, affordable service in the face of a rapidly changing industry landscape.

Meet the Candidates

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About Steve Grote

About Darryl D. Huff

About Mike Lampe

About Melissa Hays

About Michael Tilton

About John Broering Sr.

About Victoria Corder

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