Meet Trustee Steve McMichael

Friday | August 12, 2022

All News

Steve McMichael

Steven McMichael represents PPEC Board District 5, which includes Adams Township in Allen County, Indiana. See the board district map here.

Steve McMichael was born in rural Pennsylvania but grew up in Adams Township, Indiana. Today, he lives in New Haven, Indiana, and was elected as mayor in 2019. Steve and his wife Judy share their home with Zelda, a beagle-dachshund mix. They have two children, one of whom is a PPEC member.

Steve's wife and kids — Steve's wife, Judy, and their two children.

How do you spend your free time?

We love to travel, especially to Disney. We have been there over 100 times. When I am home, we enjoy family time in our backyard with Zelda. I am a huge Indianapolis COLTS football fan. Bill Joel is my favorite artist and I enjoy attending live concerts.

Steve and Jude at COLTs game — Steve and his wife, Judy, at an Indianapolis COLTs football game.

What is a fun or little-known fact about yourself?

I am always up for an adventure! I have repelled down a building for a United Way charity event, co-piloted a T-28, and travelled to Guatemala to teach board governance to a newly formed co-op. I am proof that an inner child lives in all of us. Even in us 50-something-year olds.

Steve McMichael in Guatemala helping with new electric cooperative board governance — Steve went to Guatemala in 2018 as a representative with Indiana's Electric Cooperatives to help a new electric co-op that was forming in the country learn board governance skills.

Why did you want to become a PPEC trustee?

I got involved to serve the community and offer a small-town USA perspective. New Haven, like many other cities, is experiencing large housing demands, which provides new challenges to PPEC.

Steve after repelling down a rope wall — Steve after repelling down a wall for a charity event for the United Way.

Why do you think people should be involved in their electric company?

By its own definition, a cooperative is a member-owned, democratically controlled organization. Member involvement is critical to its future success and longevity.

What do you love most about your community?

The “small-town” feel with access to “big city” amenities nearby. But most of all, I love that our community works together to accomplish its goal.

Steve at Member Appreciation Day working — Board trustees Dr. Ronald Black and Steve McMichael work at PPEC's 2022 Member Appreciation Day booth at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. They loved giving members and their kids prizes!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a history teacher. This combines my love of history and my desire to help others learn.

What’s a saying/motto you live by?

My way of leading is always, “let’s get to the yes”. That means government should be supportive and find ways to help the community.

What future concerns do you have about the electric industry?

My concerns lie with how sustainability and rate pressure are affected by continuous inflated cost of generation, transmission, and materials. It is important for us to strive to keep cost low for members while maintaining a financially strong co-op for the future. I know this is a tough balancing act, but it’s something we can accomplish.