A Lifetime of Learning and Leadership When Howard Bowersox was first elected to the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors in 2019, he already had a long history of leadership and community service under his belt. Today, as he approaches the end of his second term on the board, he’s expanding on those aspects of his life in new ways. Howard serves as the board representative from District 8, which includes Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. Howard, who lives near Stanwood, grew up in Buffalo, New York. He is retired from a career that included working in the chemical and insurance industries and as a commodities broker. For a time, he also worked as a plant engineer and manager, which included responsibility for the co-generation of steam and electricity for the plant. He said those experiences prepared him well for his role on the GLE board. Shortly after he was reelected in 2022, Howard was chosen by his fellow GLE board members to serve as chairman. He also serves on the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors alongside GLE CEO Shaun Lamp, which expands the reach of his leadership to the statewide level. Howard said one of the things he enjoys the most about his added responsibilities as board chairman is his regular interactions with Shaun. “Shaun and I have an awesome relationship. We regularly bounce ideas off each other to address strategic initiatives,” he said.
“ In addition to all the other benefits Truesteam brings, it will allow members to have more flexibility in managing their energy use, their bills, and their accounts.”
Leading the way Outside of his role with GLE, Howard has served as the chairman of his township’s planning commission and zoning board of appeals for many years. He has also served on the board of a credit union and in leadership roles in the Jaycees, both on the local and state levels. Howard was also recently appointed to the school board for Crossroad Charter Academy, where he had served as a teacher. Looking to GLE’s future, Howard said he’s excited about the continued growth of Truestream. “I’m particularly excited that we are getting closer to completing our fiber build-out,” Howard said. “In addition to all the other benefits Truesteam brings, it will allow members to have more flexibility in managing
their energy use, their bills, and their accounts.” He said he’s also looking forward to the expected restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant later this year because it will provide a longterm, reliable source of power at a consistent price for GLE members. GLE’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, has a long-term contract to purchase power from Palisades when it comes back online. When he isn’t busy with GLE, school, or township business, Howard and his wife Janet enjoy gardening around their home. Howard is one of three board members whose terms will expire in 2025. He has indicated that he plans to seek reelection.
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