Growth, Change, and Opportunity: CHELCO Maps the Future

DeFuniak Springs, Fla. — Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative (CHELCO) welcomed more than 500 members and guests to its 2026 Annual Meeting, offering a look at the co-op’s future while celebrating student achievement and long-serving leadership.

The meeting, held April 18 at Freeport High School, allowed attendees to meet with cooperative representatives, watch live demonstrations, and take part in family-friendly activities.

During the business portion, Board President Gerald Edmondson, Secretary/Treasurer Gayle Hughes, and CEO Steve Rhodes delivered updates on the cooperative’s performance and outlook.

This year’s event also featured a notable guest. PowerSouth Energy Cooperative CEO Gary Smith, who joined Rhodes for a discussion about the future of the electric utility industry. Smith, who has led PowerSouth since 2000, is set to retire on June 1.

The conversation focused on growing demands facing utilities, including rapid expansion in data centers and artificial intelligence, which are reshaping expectations for reliability, capacity, and innovation.

Following the meeting, CHELCO awarded ten $1,000 scholarships to students across its service area. Winners included:

• Teghan Araneo (Paxton High School)
• Christopher Bolden (Niceville High School)
• Lori Brown (Columbia Southern University)
• Addison Cook (Walton High School)
• Forrest Geoghagan (Paxton High School)
• London Hughes (Walton High School)
• Julie Laviolette (Walton High School)
• Madelyn Neel (Crestview High School)
• Maria Sandor (Florida Virtual School)
• Jonathan Smith (Troy University)

The cooperative also confirmed leadership positions following trustee elections. Brantlee Lawrence was newly appointed to District 3 after the resignation of Tim Braddock. Ronnie Jones (District 5) and Gayle Hughes (District 8) retained their positions.

Board officers remain unchanged from 2025, with Gerald Edmondson continuing as president, Brady Bearden as vice president, Gayle Hughes as secretary/treasurer, and Bert Prutzman as assistant secretary/treasurer.

CHELCO serves more than 76,000 accounts across Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, and Santa Rosa counties, including Eglin Air Force Base.