Newsroom Archive

OMEA Holds Annual Meeting and Board Elections

Published on: 10/04/2024

COLUMBUS, OH: The Ohio Municipal Electric Association (OMEA) recently held elections for the organization’s Board of Directors and Board leadership during the annual OMEA General Membership meeting, which took place in Columbus on Oct. 2.

The OMEA is guided by a 16-member Board of Directors, elected by their peers to staggered four-year terms. Board seats are held by OMEA member communities. The communities of Celina (Mayor Jeffrey Hazel), Hamilton (Council Member Michael Ryan) and St. Marys (Mayor Joe Hurlburt) were re-elected to four-year terms on the OMEA Board of Directors. Additionally, the community of Jackson Center was elected to a four-year term on the OMEA Board of Directors, and the City of Oberlin was elected as an ex officio member of the OMEA Board.

“Each member of the OMEA Board plays a vital role in advocating for the rights of municipal electric communities in Ohio,” said Michael Beirne, OMEA Executive Director. “With the many challenges that we are facing in our industry, we are fortunate to have such strong leadership representing us on the Board of Directors.”

Following the election, the OMEA Board of Directors conducted its annual reorganization meeting and Wadsworth Mayor Robin Laubaugh was re-elected as president of the Board. Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade and Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski were re-elected to the Board’s three-member Executive Committee.

During the OMEA General Membership meeting, the following individuals were recognized and named OMEA Honorary Members:

  • Frank Comeriato – City of Hudson
  • Randy Genzman – Village of Oak Harbor
  • Kevin Gladden - Village of Genoa
  • William C. Lyren, Jr. – City of Wadsworth
  • Jeff McHugh – City of Cuyahoga Falls and the City of Painesville
  • Bruce Metz – Village of Jackson Center
  • Lori Siclair – City of Napoleon
  • Don Smithberger – City of St. Clairsville
  • Tom Sprow – City of Bryan

The OMEA general membership selects honorary members in recognition of individuals whose dedication and service on behalf of public power has been of the highest order.