Jeff Zimmerman - Candidate 1A

The board member serving EnerStar’s most western region is Jeff Zimmerman of the Oakland area. He has served on the board for eighteen years.

Jeff is a 1974 graduate of Oakland High School and earned his B.S. in Accountancy from the U of I in 1978. He is a certified public accountant and a certified financial planner.

Jeff has an accounting and financial planning practice in Oakland. The professional services offered include tax planning and preparation, financial planning, client write-up and management advisory services.

Jeff is actively involved in his community. He is a founding board member and treasurer of the Oakland-Hindsboro Charitable Foundation. Jeff is a member of the Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Oakland Lions Club. He and his family attend the Oakland United Methodist Church.

Jeff serves as Vice Chairman of the EnerStar board of directors. He is a member of EnerStar’s Ethics and Audit Committees. He became a Certified Cooperative Director in 2003.

Jeff believes strongly in the cooperative form of ownership as it allows members, who are owners of the cooperative, to participate in the governance and direction of the cooperative. When asked what is the most important fact about the coop that members may not realize, Jeff explained, “It is important to understand how the cooperative came into existence and the economic and social benefits it brings to our communities.”

Jeff enjoys gardening, reading and sports. He and his wife, Diana, have been married for 34 years and have two children, Zack and Vanessa.

Mike Clark - Candidate 5B

My name is Michael Douglas Clark, and I am very interested in becoming a Director on the EnerStar Electric Cooperative Board. My wife, Cindy, and I live southwest of Paris in Symmes Township. We have six married children and sixteen grandchildren that we both very much enjoy in our retirement years.

I graduated from Paris High School in 1971 and attended Danville Area Community College majoring in Mechanical Engineering. On July 12, 19761 was hired as a groundman/truck driver by Edgar Electric Cooperative Association, later known as EnerStar Electric Power Corp. Two years later, I began my 4 year lineman apprenticeship. I was employed as a lineman until 2005 when I accepted the position of Manager of Operations. In December of 2015, I applied for and received the position of President and CEO of EnerStar where I remained until my retirement on May 31, 2020.

Besides the management and leadership roles that I have served at EnerStar, I have also served on the following boards/committees: Bell Ridge Church as deacon and elder, Symmes Township Cemetery as President, United Utility Supply based in Louisville, Kentucky, Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives Safety Committee, and represented EnerStar at Board meetings at Wabash Valley Power Association in Indianapolis.

I believe that my experience at EnerStar has prepared me to fulfill any and all of the skills needed to help lead as an EnerStar Director. In the years ahead, EnerStar will face much uncertainty when it comes to individual and corporate off grid generation as well reduced load due to modern efficiencies. Proper planning will include enticing new growth while maintaining a good relationship with present members.

Thad Martin - Candidate 5B

My name is Thad Martin and I have lived at 5960 Public Well Street for the past 17 years. I was born and raised in Paris and graduated from Paris High School. During both high school and college, I worked summers at EnerStar, as well as briefly after graduation. I graduated from Lake Land College with an Associate’s degree in 1993. I am currently self employed as a farmer in Edgar County.

I am a member of the Masonic Lodge Stratton #408, the Edgar County Farm Bureau and a member of the Edgar County Fair Board.

I have been married to my wife Mandy Martin for over 25 years and we have two amazing children, Chayse and Chloe.

My primary reason for serving on the board is to help EnerStar continue to offer reasonable rates with reliable service. I care about the future of the coop and want to continue to serve on the board and utilize the experience I got working for Ener Star. Because of my experience working for EnerStar and currently serving on the board, I feel I have a good understanding of how the coop operates and am excited to continue looking for opportunities to benefit our members.

In my opinion, some of the biggest challenges facing the coop today are recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, keeping up with technology in addition to new solar options and environmental battles.

My hobbies include raising show pigs and watching Illini sports.

Clayton Daniel Gard Jr. - Candidate 9C

Since December 2000, Dan Gard Jr. has served as Director of the southernmost district. He has served as Chairman of the EnerStar Board since 2012. Dan is an accredited Director through NRECA.

Dan is a lifelong resident of the West Union area. He graduated from Marshall High School and has farmed since 1973. He and his wife Barbara have three sons and nine grandchildren.

Dan is a member of Zion United Methodist Church, the Marshall Cemetery Board, Clark Co Fair Board and Marshall Masonic Lodge. He also serves on the Wabash Valley Power Board in Indianapolis and represents Wabash Valley Power on the Illinois Electric Coop Association. Dan has previously served as Road Commissioner and trustee in Darwin Township.

Dan said, “I enjoy being part of the EnerStar Board working together with the current board members, management and staff to provide the highest quality services at the lowest possible cost. We want to continually improve our plant and infrastructure and services to the customers. I am proud of our linemen and office staff for the job they do and the dedication they have to our cooperative members. I appreciate representing my district on the board and ask for your continued support in the upcoming election.”