The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) Board of Directors has appointed 10 member representatives to its 2026 Nominating Committee, which is set to convene on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the cooperative’s headquarters in Hughesville. This committee holds responsibility for reviewing applications and recommending candidates for five open positions on SMECO’s 15-member Board of Directors in the upcoming election.
The openings include one seat for Calvert/Anne Arundel counties, one for Charles County, one for Prince George’s County, and two for St. Mary’s County. Directors serve three-year terms, with elections staggered annually to maintain geographical representation across SMECO’s service territory in Southern Maryland.
The appointed 2026 Nominating Committee members are:
- Calvert County: Kimberly Freeland of Prince Frederick and Jack Sigler of Port Republic.
- Charles County: Joseph L. Gardiner Jr. of La Plata, Jerome Short of Indian Head, and William B. Young Jr. of Waldorf.
- Prince George’s County: Charles Edward Claggett of Accokeek and Ernest H. Riess of Brandywine.
- St. Mary’s County: Edith M. Bell of Chaptico, George A. Brown of Loveville, and Catherine B. Coates of Lexington Park.
SMECO members seeking nomination must submit a Board of Directors Candidate Application online at smeco.coop/annualmeeting. For consideration by the Nominating Committee, applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. This process allows the committee to evaluate candidates based on qualifications outlined in the cooperative’s bylaws.
Beyond committee nominations, members retain the right to pursue independent paths. Any group of 15 or more SMECO members may nominate candidates by petition. Those running via petition must also complete and submit the candidate application by 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026. All required forms and supporting materials are available on the same website section.
The cooperative’s 2026 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Unlike past in-person events, the director election will occur exclusively through mail-in and online voting. Members will receive ballots by mail and can cast votes either electronically or by returning completed ballots prior to the meeting date. No on-site voting will take place. Results will be announced during the August gathering.
This appointment and nomination timeline aligns with SMECO’s bylaws, specifically Article IV, Sections 4.02 and 4.03, which govern director elections, committee selection, and member participation rights. Full bylaws are accessible at SMECO offices or online at www.smeco.coop.
SMECO, serving residential and commercial members across Southern Maryland, emphasizes member governance in its cooperative structure. The process ensures broad representation and member input in selecting leadership that oversees electric service delivery, rates, and strategic decisions.