Felkel Reflects on 43-Year Co-op Career Focused on Service

CFC Board President David Felkel concluded his six years as a CFC director during the 55th CFC Annual Membership Meeting in Indianapolis June 17.

“As I learned, once you have the honor of being elected to the board, you realize that you are not just representing your region or district, you’re representing the entire electric cooperative network, the communities we all serve and everyone that’s part of the CFC family,” Felkel shared during his President’s Report. “Standing before you today, I must admit that this is an emotional moment for me. I have so enjoyed being part of this board, especially as a former lineman who’s been with the co-op family for 43 years.” 

Felkel described how, prior to joining the board, he was familiar with CFC and had always been impressed by the organization’s commitment to its members. However, serving on the board—and particularly leading the board as president—gave him a whole new perspective on what CFC does for the rural electric program.

“The passion for service that CFC and its incredible staff exemplify every day, which is rooted in the cooperative mission, purpose and core principles, is the same passion for service that has defined my 43-year career at Edisto Electric Cooperative,” Felkel said. “It’s no wonder a humble co-op guy like me feels so at home leading the board of such a phenomenal cooperative finance organization like CFC. Thank you for the honor and the opportunity to serve you.” 

CFC Board Elects Officers, Committee Chairs for 2024–2025 

At its organizational meeting following the annual meeting, the CFC Board of Directors elected officers and selected committee chairs. 

BOARD PRESIDENT

G. Anthony Norton, Director  
Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation (GA)

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT 

Mark A. Suggs, Executive Vice President and General Manager  
Pitt & Greene Electric Membership Corporation (NC)

BOARD SECRETARY-TREASURER

Brent R. McRae, Director 
McCone Electric Cooperative (MT)

CHAIRMAN, AUDIT COMMITTEE

Barbara Hampton, President and CEO  
Georgia Transmission Corporation (GA)

CHAIRMAN, CORPORATE RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Keith Hayward, General Manager and CEO  
North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (MS)

CHAIRMAN, FINANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Shane Larson, CEO  
Rock Energy Cooperative (WI)

CHAIRMAN, LOAN COMMITTEE

Jeff Rehder, Director  
North West Rural Electric Cooperative (IA)

New Director Seated on the Board

A new director elected during CFC district meetings in 2023 took his seat on the board, beginning his three-year term: 

DISTRICT 2

John Bartley, CEO  
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative (FL)