Email: tcheek@hilco.coop

Thomas Cheek began his utility career, with the Cooperative, in 1997 as a Staking Technician. While at HILCO Electric, Thomas has worked in the Operations and Engineering Department throughout his tenure. Most recently as VP of Operations, where he oversaw HILCOʼs lineman and engineering staff along with overhead, underground, and right-of-way contractors. In 2020, Thomas was promoted to the General Manager/CEO.

Thomas is the 8th General Manager since the Cooperative was established in 1937. He comes at a time when things are ever-changing and brings with him a pragmatic approach to the Cooperative and its future.

Thomas and his wife, Amie, live in Hillsboro, have three children and are members of the First Baptist Church. He enjoys spending time with his family, camping, fishing, hunting, and boating.

Email: pfarquhar@hilco.coop

Paula is a graduate of Itasca High School and Hill College in Hillsboro. She finished college at Tarleton State University, where she graduated Summa cum Laude in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. She earned her Certified Public Accountant license in February 2006 and was designated as a Chartered Global Management Accountant in 2012.

Paula served as the City Clerk for the City of Itasca for five years. She left that position to become a Deputy District Clerk for the Hill County District Clerk’s Office. She remained in that position for three years. She then took an Accounting Clerk position with HILCO Electric Cooperative in 1996. While working for HILCO Electric Cooperative, Paula was promoted to Accounting Coordinator, Finance and Accounting Manager, Director of Finance and Accounting, Assistant General Manager of Administration, and her current position of Chief Financial Officer. She serves as Assistant General Manager and oversees the Office Services, Collections, Accounting, Billing, and Marketing & Member Services Departments, which are responsible for the administrative functions for HILCO Electric Cooperative, HILCO United Services, Inc., and rural water companies managed by HILCO.

Email: lsanders@hilco.coop

Lea Sanders has worked in the electric utility industry since 2000 and with HILCO Electric Cooperative for over 20 years. She has served in a variety of capacities with HILCO and is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, she is responsible for all aspects of talent management including recruitment, training and development, and benefits administration. Additionally, she is responsible for strategic initiatives of the cooperative and its subsidiary, HILCO United Services, Inc.

Lea graduated Texas A&M University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and in 1997, she received her Master of Business Administration in Management from the University of North Texas. In 2001, Lea obtained her Professional Human Resources designation and in 2009, advanced the certification to a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Additionally, she holds the designations of Certified SHRM-SCP from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional from the College for Financial Planning – Kaplan, Certified Key Account Executive from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and NRECA’s Supervisory Certification.

Danny Taylor serves as the Chief Operating Officer for HILCO Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Danny started his career with HILCO in 2012 as a Communication Technician. Danny brought over ten years’ experience in the IT industry to his position and was also part of the team that designed, built, and implemented the entire wireless communication.

In 2014, he was promoted to Manager of Special Equipment where he oversaw HILCO Special Equipment, GIS Mapping staff, and Internet Services for all locations. In 2020, Danny was promoted to his current position of Chief Operating Officer where he oversees HILCOʼs lineman and engineering staff along with overhead, underground, and right-of-way contractors.

Danny is a graduate of Navarro College with his Associates of Applied Science. He has acquired several certifications ranging from Computer IT Certificates to NABCEP Entry-level PV.

Danny and his wife, Kristen, live in Waxahachie and have two children. He enjoys spending time with his family, and volunteering with local youth sports in the area as well as traveling.

Email: kmarkwardt@hilco.coop

Kendra Markwardt began her career with HILCO in 2007, within the I.T. Department. In 2014 Kendra was promoted to Director of Marketing.

Kendra has been involved with and taken the lead on programs relating to the Pre-Pay Meter program, Outage Management Program, Paperless work order program, Online billing, and other new technology programs offered by HILCO.

Kendra and her husband, Eric, live in Itasca and have two children. She enjoys spending time with family, photography, and being outdoors. She is actively involved in the local communities, and currently serving as a member on the Itasca School Board and president of the Itasca Chamber of Commerce.

“What a wonderful company HILCO is to work for. I can’t wait to interact with our members through our Member’s Picnic, Coop Magazine, and other media aspects.”

Email: mfehnel@hilco.coop

Matt Fehnel serves as the Director of Information Services and Technology for HILCO Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Since joining HILCO in 2001, Matt Fehnel has been instrumental in updating information technology systems and implementing new communications programs at the cooperative. Matt graduated from Baylor University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He worked for two national corporations and brought 13-years’ experience in the IT industry to his position at HILCO.

An Itasca native, Matt is active in the community. Matt has served multiple terms as Mayor of Itasca, Mayor Pro-Tem, and City Council Member. He is a two-time past-President and Treasurer of the Itasca Chamber of Commerce as well as past-President of the Itasca Ex-Students’ Association. He has participated in many community projects, including the Chamber Barbecue Cook-Offs, Relay For Life, Habitat for Humanity and Community clothing and food drives. Matt enjoys gardening and other outdoor activities in his spare time.

Matt Lives in Itasca with his wife, Michelle. He has two daughters, Ashley Spain, who is serving in the USAF, and Megan Spain, who is the mother of his two favorite little people, his Granddaughter, and Grandson.