Ric Evans GLE Director, Focused On Community
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f there’s one thing that Great Lakes Energy District 3 (Antrim County) Director Ric Evans takes seriously, it’s energy. The better part of his life revolves around studying it, advocating for its clean and renewable sources, educating others about it, and practicing energy efficiency and conservation. A GLE member for almost 21 years, Ric was elected as District 3 director in 2011 and is currently serving his third term. A self-proclaimed educator at heart, he quickly gained all of the available certifications currently available to electric co-op directors. As of 2017, he has worked as a clean energy policy specialist for the GroundWork Center for Resilient Communities, where he helps communities, schools and churches with clean energy initiatives. Prior to that, he was the owner of an energy efficiency and renewable energy consulting company for 11 years. Ric is proud to be part of Great Lakes Energy’s commitment to renewable energy as the co-op has developed a community solar array for members, as well as programs for members to install their own generation. He’s proud to be one of those members. Ric’s all-electric home is unique, boasting a grid-tied solar electric system with battery back-up, a passive solar-heated addition, and a solar hot water system. For a time, he served on the Cooperative Leadership Network (CLN) board of directors. CLN connects co-op directors nationally on industry issues, good governance, and challenges and opportunities facing co-ops in their transition to clean energy. He takes pride in knowing that Great Lakes Energy and its power supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative lead the state in 16 JANUARY 2020
providing more than 60% carbon free energy to members. Becoming a GLE director, Ric says, also gave him appreciation of the cooperative business model. Of seven cooperative principles, he best relates to “Concern for Community” as the most important. “By being actively engaged in our communities, GLE has the opportunity to fill gaps in needs that go beyond just products and services we offer,” he observes. “That’s increasingly important for GLE’s future and that of our communities.” Having been engaged in and passionate about energy issues since his college years, Ric considers it rewarding to work with staff at GLE who are committed to providing the best in energy distribution practices and being a vital part of the communities they serve.
Personally Speaking Ric and wife, Jenn, have lived on an “old farm” in the Eastport/Atwood area of Antrim County since 1999— “the longest either of us have lived anywhere,” he adds. “Our ‘kids’ happen to have four legs and paws,” Ric laughs. The couple currently has four cats and a dog. Ric’s outside interests include playing music and “anything outdoors,”
particularly playing disc golf. He has designed and installed several disc golf courses and has enjoyed hosting benefit disc golf events for 20 years that mostly help local food pantries.
On Being A GLE Director “I feel that I bring a unique voice and background to GLE’s boardroom table during a time of dramatic shifts in what it means to be an energy company,” Ric observes. Besides the fact that providing energy these days is complex and challenging, Rick notes that it ultimately “boils down to serving our community in the best capacity we can.” Ric looks forward to running for re-election in District 3 in 2020 and helping ensure that GLE stays out in front of important issues, asks the right questions, keeps up with energy trends, and makes the best long-term decisions for its members. He also wants to be a voice for members and keep them involved in any transitions that lie ahead.
“ By being actively engaged in our communities, GLE has the opportunity to fill gaps in needs that go beyond just products and services we offer.”