Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s board of directors appointed Valarie Handy to fill the vacant seat on their board representing Benzie, Manistee, and Wexford counties.

The board appointed Handy at a special meeting Friday, October 1st following an extensive application and interview process.

Cherryland Board President David Schweitzer said, “Valarie is a great fit for the Cherryland board. Her passion for the cooperative model and history of serving her community will be a great asset to the boardroom as we strive to make decisions that best serve our membership.”

Handy is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and works for the USDA Rural Development Innovation Center as a social scientist on their data analytics team. She is also a graduate of Cherryland’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Program.

Her career with the USDA gives her a unique perspective on the issues rural communities face across the country and she puts that to good use as an active member of multiple local organizations. Handy currently serves as board chair for Commongrounds Cooperative, a committee chair for Traverse Connect Young Professionals, and volunteers with the City of Traverse City Election Precinct #1.

Handy said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve Cherryland’s membership. Rural communities are vital, made of people who take the time to get to know their neighbors. Cherryland makes sure to consider their neighbors in the decision making process and I’m honored and excited to take on that responsibility.”

Handy’s appointment lasts for the remainder of the current term, June 2022, at which time she will have the opportunity to run for additional terms as outlined in the cooperative’s bylaws.