Delaware Electric Cooperative names new CEO

Delaware Electric Cooperative has named Greg Starheim as the new president and chief executive officer of the Greenwood-based nonprofit utility.

Starheim most recently served as senior vice president of business and industry development at the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation in Dulles, Va. He will replace longtime CEO Bill Andrew. After a comprehensive national search, Starheim was selected by the co-op’s board of directors in May to lead DEC’s 170-person workforce.

“The energy industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The board is confident that Greg’s expertise will guide the co-op and its dedicated employees through these changes, and allow DEC to provide members with energy that is even more reliable, sustainable and affordable,” said board member Michael Brown, who worked closely with CarterBaldwin Executive Search and other board members to select the new CEO.

After decades working at General Electric, Starheim joined the cooperative world in 2003, serving as CEO and general manager of Delaware County Electric Cooperative in New York. From 2012 to 2015, Starheim served as president and CEO of Kenergy Corp., a 56,000-member electric cooperative headquartered in Henderson, Ky. He is an expert in power supply, finance and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction, and brings more than 37 years of experience in the energy industry to DEC.

“I’m humbled to be given the opportunity to lead DEC. The co-op has some of the most innovative and committed employees in the nation, and our focus will remain on how to provide clean, affordable power and exceptional service to our 107,000 members,” said Starheim.

“Greg will provide the leadership and vision to ensure DEC continues to be a national leader in renewable energy, conservation and innovation. He is excited to meet our members and visit the communities the co-op proudly powers. DEC and our members will be in good hands,” said Andrew.

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility powering more than 107,000 homes, farms and businesses in Kent and Sussex counties.

For more information, go to delaware.coop or beatthepeak.coop.