A little bit about me……
I was born in Detroit into a family of twelve (I’m number ten). After high school, I attended the University of Michigan and Lake Superior State University where I graduated with a degree in Finance and Economics. While there, I met my wife, Debra. We have been married for forty years and have two adult daughters, Nikki and Alex. I am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and have owned and operated Schweitzer Capital Group, LLC since 1996.
My experience is vital to keeping our cooperative financially strong. Cherryland is consistently ranked among the best-managed electric coops in the nation, leading in key metrics such as equity management and the return of patronage capital to our members. Our operational reliability is equally impressive: our members’ lights stayed on over 99.9% of the time last year. This performance is no accident. Our commitment to hardening the grid through proactive tree trimming and undergrounding lines has protected our service territory during recent severe weather. Looking ahead, 2026 will be a pivotal year. The reopening of the Palisades nuclear plant will provide our members with constant, carbon-free electricity. By maintaining a diverse energy portfolio—including nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar, and coal for peak demand—we ensure a stable and affordable power supply for years to come. We also continue to make critical technological investments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, drones, and smart meters. In an increasingly fast-paced and complex environment, I am committed to upgrading our defenses to safeguard our members and the grid. As your representative on the board, I will work to provide safe, reliable, and affordable service to your homes and businesses. I bring no personal agenda—only a dedication to doing what is best for the members of Cherryland.
Experience is the foundation of a stable cooperative. I am confident that with continued steady leadership, Cherryland will navigate the challenges ahead successfully. Please take a moment to vote by following the easy instructions in the May Country Lines or at cherrylandelectric.coop. Your participation is essential to our success, and I would be honored to have your vote.”
It’s all about the facts
There is a lot of discussion regarding renewables, electric vehicles, broadband, and other issues affecting the electric utility industry. My default is to look at the facts regardless of the issue. Following are some of my “go to” websites when studying these issues:
Electricity Usage (note the “Sources and Uses” in the lower left corner of the page as well)
Electric Vehicles (Note: EV technology is changing fast. Much of the information on this site will be obsolete in a short period of time)
Governmental Affairs (relating to Michigan-based electric cooperatives)
Cherryland in action
As a member of your board, I have voted in favor of the many technological improvements that the management team has requested. Your cooperative has continued to run smoothly because of some of those improvements, especially text outage notification and online bill pay which alleviates the need for in-person cash payments. They are proving their worth and are critical in keeping Cherryland operating without interruption.
Cherryland is in very good financial shape. When measured by several metrics, Cherryland ranks among the best compared to our peer group of over nine hundred cooperatives across the country (especially capital credit retirements). As a member of the audit committee, I am pleased to report that our yearly independent audits have received consistently high marks.
Finally, we take care of our members. Programs such as Cherryland Cares, partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the YMCA, our volunteers at Hospice House, blood drives, and others too many to list, indicate our concern and our willingness to help those that need it most in our communities.
Staying ahead of the curve
Electric vehicles (EVs)– They are coming! Tens of billions of dollars are being spent by the auto companies on their development. Cherryland needs to be prepared and is examining rate structures and demand issues as most of the charging will occur at the home overnight. In addition, Cherryland has leased several EV models in order to understand and prepare for their eventual mass adoption. The de-carbonization of the automobile will have the greatest impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions in the US, more so than any other source.
Energy mix– Natural gas, nuclear, wind, and solar are the power generation sources of the future. Cherryland’s carbon-free mix (provided by Wolverine Power) is over 60% and growing. There are many exciting developments as technological change drives down prices for all sources. If you’re so inclined, please consider leasing a solar panel from our community solar program. We have thousands of panels available (see the Cherryland website for more details). One of the biggest issues with the adoption and continued growth of renewable energy are local zoning regulations which prevent wind and solar farms from being developed. Cherryland has long urged grassroots involvement and action at the local level in this regard.
votedaveschweitzer.com 