Background: Philip Hayes has been a cooperative member since 1976. He graduated from Greenfield-Central High School and then Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management with a minor in Computer Science. He is currently retired. For 23 years, he worked at Naval Air Warfare Center as a Program Manager, Ground Based Systems. He was a Business Manager of Manufacturing & Depot Operations at Raytheon Technical Services, LLC for 14 years. Combined, Phil has had over 37 years working in the defense industry focused on design, development, production, and repair of military electronics.  Phil’s specialized training consists of Cooperative Board leadership and continuing education with NTCA (Rural Broadband Association), IEC (Indiana Electric Cooperatives), Statewide Association of REMC’s, NRECA (National Association of Rural Electric Cooperative), Alliance of Indiana Rural Water Association, Aces Power Marketing Risk Management Training, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation Certificates, Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership Course, and numerous Broadband Core Curriculum Courses. Phil serves on NineStar’s executive and finance committees.

Phil also represents NineStar on the Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA) Board of Directors (21 member REMC’s from 2 states) which provides wholesale electricity to NineStar. Phil currently serves on the WVPA Executive Committee and his primary WVPA goal is to balance NineStar’s member interests, WVPA’s financial viability, and the increasingly important goal of grid reliability. Phil is an active member of Willow Branch United Methodist Church serving as Sunday School Teacher, Finance & Pastor Parish Chairperson. He is a member of Prospect Lodge #714 F&AM, a life member of Purdue Alumni Association and member of Greenfield Kiwanis. Phil resides in Wilkinson with his wife Pamela. They have a son, Brandon (Becky) and two grandchildren, Sydney and Ray.

 

Candidate Statement: I am fortunate to have been a part of the formation, growth, and development of NineStar Connect.   Today, NineStar is the only rural cooperative in the US providing four utility services: electric, broadband, water, & wastewater.   The Staff and Directors of NineStar are a team united in a long-term strategy to ensure members of NineStar Connect have access to the best possible utilities.   I believe quality-of-life is an important factor in where people live, and work and I enjoy being a part of NineStar’s endeavor to be a solutions provider to our members. I believe NineStar is on the cusp of extraordinary growth and progress that will ensure NineStar will continue to invest in affordable, reliable, and quality services.  I am proud of what NineStar is accomplishing and I would welcome the opportunity to carry the tradition forward representing the members of NineStar.