Firelands Electric Cooperative News Release
NEW LONDON, June 17, 2024 — Firelands Electric Cooperative announced on Friday that it has appointed Don Englet as general manager of the not-for-profit organization, effective upon the August 30, 2024, retirement of incumbent general manager Dan McNaull.
Englet has been an employee of Firelands Electric Cooperative for nearly 24 years and is the current director of operations, a position he has held for the past six years. Englet began his career with the cooperative in March 2000. After completing his apprentice lineman coursework, Englet was appointed as the cooperative’s engineering services representative, where he handled new services and upgrades. He was promoted to line supervisor in 2005, a position that he held for thirteen years prior to his current role as director of operations.
The board began the general manager search process this past fall, electing to handle the activity in house in lieu of spending the several tens of thousands it would have cost to hire a search firm. “Our process resulted in over 35 applications from multiple states. A screening committee interviewed several candidates using video conferencing and ultimately two were selected for in-person interviews,” said Board President Dan Schloemer.
Englet is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, and the Robert I Kabot Management Internship Program (MIP) through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Englet is an active member of the South Central Local Schools Board of Education. He also serves on the board of the Huron County Chamber of Commerce and the newly formed Huron County Growth Partnership.
“The Board determined that Don was the best fit for the position based on his knowledge of the system, involvement in various leadership courses, community engagement through serving on outside boards, and dedication to Firelands Electric during his time with the cooperative,” Schloemer added.
Englet has held several roles with the cooperative and has demonstrated his commitment to meet the needs of the members of Firelands Electric Cooperative. “I fully endorse the board’s selection of Don, with the confidence that our members, staff, and community partners are in capable hands,” said General Manager Dan McNaull.
Englet and his wife, Sara, live in Greenwich Township, Huron County. They have two adult sons, Clayton and Jackson, who the couple cannot be prouder of, and who also reside in Huron County. Englet enjoys spending time with his family and being involved in their activities. He fills his spare time camping, fishing, and occasionally hunting.
“Firelands Electric has amazing employees and a dedicated board, committed to providing excellent service for our members. I am very grateful for and humbled by this tremendous opportunity,” said Englet.
Founded in 1936, Firelands Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, is a member-owned, not-forprofit electric utility serving more than 9,200 homes and businesses in rural areas of Ashland, Huron, Lorain, and Richland counties and ranks among the highest energy utilities in the country for customer satisfaction. Visit the cooperative’s website at www.firelandsec.com, Facebook page, or Twitter feed to learn more about reliable and affordable power.