Following approval of the board, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative is pleased to introduce Adam Schnipke as the new Board Chairman. A trustee since 2021, Adam lives in Ottoville with his wife and four children and works as a self-employed contractor.
District 4 trustee Bill Beckman, who lives in Paulding with his wife (Rachel) and three children, will join him as vice chairman. He is a nutrient specialist for the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
District 3 trustee Tim Derck of Antwerp will continue as Board Secretary-Treasurer.
Schnipke brings a forward-thinking approach to leadership, recognizing that this year will bring unprecedented change as PPEC introduces fiber internet alongside electric services. “This year, our co-op will see more change than we have in our entire 90-year existence,” he says. “We must navigate these changes while balancing both sides of the business: electric and fiber internet.”
While embracing innovation, Schnipke remains committed to the cooperative’s core mission. He understands the importance of financial responsibility, ensuring that growth is handled in a way that protects members’ interests. He is also open to expanding fiber service beyond PPEC’s territory if it best serves surrounding communities as well as the PPEC membership.
As Board Chairman, Adam plans to network with other cooperative leaders, learning from their experiences to strengthen our own operations. He acknowledges that not every decision will please everyone, but his goal is to serve the membership with integrity while appreciating employees' hard work.
In his free time, Adam enjoys volunteering and bow hunting with his kids, while Bill appreciates farming and hunting pheasants with his German Shorthaired Pointers.
Please join us in welcoming Adam and Bill to their new officer positions—we look forward to their leadership and vision for the future of the co-op!
Learn more about the board and PPEC's trustees here.
Note: Adam represents Board District 8, which includes Perry, Jackson, Monterey, and Jennings Townships in Putnam County, Ohio, and Marion Township in Allen County, Ohio. Bill represents District 4, which includes Crane, Emerald, Jackson, Blue Creek, and Paulding Townships in Paulding County, Ohio, and Delaware Township in Defiance County, Ohio.