Indiana Electric Cooperatives named Mike DeFreeuw the recipient of the 2018 Tom Taylor Award. DeFreeuw, director of marketing and communications at Northeastern REMC, was presented the award during the Marketing, Member

Northeastern REMC employees (L to R): Doug Ferrell, Mike DeFreeuw and Eric Jung

Services and Communicators (MMSC) professional section fall meeting Sept. 21.

“Mike is an outstanding example of an engaged community member who is willing to roll up his sleeves to make an impact not only within our electric cooperative, but also for the betterment of our community,” said Eric Jung, president and CEO of Northeastern REMC.

In addition to his role at the electric cooperative, DeFreeuw is active in the local community and has served as a leader and volunteer for the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Allen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Hope for Animals, Fort Wayne Pet Food Pantry, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Passages, Junior Achievement, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“He is a strong leader and a creative problem-solver with a ‘will-do’ attitude,” said Jung.

The award is presented annually to an Indiana electric cooperative member services employee who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, attitude and commitment to electric cooperative principles. The award is named for the award’s first recipient and longtime Boone REMC member services representative, C. Tom Taylor, who lived by the philosophy of “non sibi, sed aliis” – not for self, but for others.