Meet the 2026 Board Candidates

Board candidate bios are published as written and submitted by the candidates.

Rob Cottle, Incumbent, At-Large

It has been a humbling and eye-opening experience to serve on the At-Large board position of the Raft River Electric Cooperative for the past three years.

During this time, I have completed the NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program and continue to expand my knowledge by attending additional training whenever available. I have gained valuable experience and a better understanding of cooperative governance, utility operations, and the importance of fiscally responsible decision-making. Which, in the last three years, has helped make important financial decisions and policy adjustments.

My wife Sheryl and I have three grown children and six grandsons. After retiring from the military in 2012, we returned home to become the third-generation on our small cattle ranch. Agriculture and rural living are not just part of our livelihood, but a way of life that depends on dependable, safe electricity. Not only for our family, but also for all members of our rural communities. Without reliable power, our communities would look vastly different.

If given the opportunity to continue serving as a director, I will continue my efforts to ensure safe, reliable and affordable power for all members and the continued success of future generations. Thank you for your consideration.

Erik Spencer, Incumbent, District 3

I am thankful to have served the members of Raft River Electric for the past three years.  As a new board member, I have gained so much knowledge and experience in how the power industry and cooperatives operate.

I am excited to run for re-election this year representing District 3.  As a member of a small farming community our need for reliable power only seems to increase and I have witnessed the concern of board members and co-op employees as they implement policies to achieve our co-ops goals of delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to our members.

I am looking forward to continuing to serve the members of our great communities.  Thank you.

 

Lindsey Manning, Incumbent, District 5

Serving on the Raft River Electric Co-op Board of Directors has been a learning and rewarding experience for me. I am seeking my third term. Having been trained and having gained knowledge in operations of a rural electric cooperative, I appreciate the profession and what it means to the members. My wife and I live in Duck Valley and I seek to continue as the Board representative for District 5. I was born into a farming and ranching family and raised on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Educated at Duck Valley. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary Education from Boise State University.
I have held positions which assist me in sitting on the Board of Directors in operational management. I am currently a member of the Tribal Council of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley. Previously, I have served two terms as the Tribal Chairman. My service record includes; Tribal Planner and Grant Writer, Executive Director of the Duck Valley Housing Authority, Chairman of the Governing Body of the Owyhee Community Health Facility, Chairman of the Tribal Emergency Response Commission. I’ve sat on natural resource development committees for the community. All my job career I have worked for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes tribal government in operations and management.
I have always felt akin to the rural aspects and the way-of-life of the membership of Raft River Electric Cooperative. I appreciate the knowledge/know-how and dedication of the management, operations personnel in the shop and in the field. Please support me to continue on the Raft River Electric Cooperative Board of Directors. Many thanks.