Frank Downs, Board President - District 2
Frank has been a board member for 12 years and has been a co-op member for 45 years with residential service. Frank has BA and MA degrees from the University of Arizona and he earned NRECA's CCD certificate in 2010. He is a retired school teacher and a partner in a family ranching business. Frank serves on the board of Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association. He has served on the State Future Farmers of America Advisory board and the U of A Agricultural Education Advisory committee. Frank has been a member of the Arizona Vo-Ag Teachers' Association, Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona, White Draw Natural Resource Conservation District, Greenlee County Farm Bureau, and the Safford Elks.
Tom Powers, Board Vice President - District 1
Tom has served as a board member for 22 years. He has been a co-op member for 41 years with residential and irrigation services. He has a BA degree from University of Arizona and a MA degree from Northern Arizona University. He earned NRECA's CCD certificate in 2001 and his BLC in 2014. Tom served as the Greenlee County Superintendent of Schools and is a former teacher and administrator. He serves as a director for Mt. Graham Safe House and has served as a director of Arizona Electric Power Cooperative. He has been a member of the Arizona School Board Association, Arizona School Business Officials Association, Arizona Small and Rural Schools Association, Elks Lodge, Greenlee Search and Rescue, Greenlee County Cattle Growers, and he chairs the Morenci Lions Club Eye Conservation program.
Johnnie Frie, Board Secretary/Treasurer - District 3
Johnnie has served as a board member for 29 years and has been a co-op member for 53 years with residential and irrigation service. Johnnie has an AA degree from Eastern Arizona College. He also has completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program in 1998 as well as the Board Leadership (BLC) program in 2000. He is retired from Duncan Unified School District as Director of Operations. Johnnie serves on the board of Arizona Electric Power Cooperative. He has served on the boards of Hidalgo County Farm Bureau, Southwest Transmission Cooperative, and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and is a member of the Lordsburg Elks and the Greenlee County Junior Livestock Association.
William "Bill" Cuthbertson - District 1
William (Bill) Cuthbertson was appointed by the DVEC Board of Directors to fill a vacant seat in District 1 in January 2024. After a rigorous application and interview process he was appointed to the position by a majority vote of the remaining seven directors. He has been a co-op member for 15 years with residential service. Bill retired from Freeport McMoran as a Senior Resource Analyst for Land and Water where he worked for 35 years. He holds a BSE in Civil Engineering and a BAE in Industrial Education. He served on the Arizona State Transportation Board and the Morenci School Governing Board.
Larry Avila - District 1
Larry was elected to the board in 2019. He has 74 years in community; 41 years as a co-op member with residential service. He has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Arizona College and is a Certified Arizona Law Enforcement Officer specializing in homicide, burglary, drug investigations and civic law. Larry is a retired Law Enforcement Officer (34 years) and US Army Veteran. He is a Member/Treasurer of the American Legion Post #28, a member of Sacred Heart Church's fundraisers and community helpers group.
Ernesto "Ernie" Garcia - District 2
Ernie rejoined the DVEC Board of Directors in April, 2023 after having served as a director previously from 2004-2010. He has lived 63 years in the community; is a 43 year co-op member, with residential service and is retired from Freeport McMoran. Ernie is a graduate of Development Dimensions International and T.E.A.M.S.
Dustie Robinette - District 2
Dustie has been a board member for 7 years. Dustie has been a cooperative member for 8 years with residential and commercial service. She and her husband formerly owned Town and Country Supply in Duncan. She has also worked as a paralegal and legal administrator. She has served as a representative to the South Eastern Arizona Governments Organization, as a board member of Duncan Athletic Booster Club, Vice-president of the Duncan PTA, as a member of Duncan Women's Club. Dustie also volunteered as a Duncan High School Cheer Coach.
Tom Lovett, District 3
Tom has spent 67 years in community, 38 years as a co-op member, with residential and irrigation service. He has a Bachelor of Science from New Mexico State University in Ag Education and Science. Tom worked 25 years as a school teacher and coach, 15 years as a construction supervisor, 15 years as manager of the family farm. He is a 15 year member and officer on New Mexico Modal Canal Association, 10 year member of New Mexico Water First and 20 year member of Cattle Growers Association.