Mr. Chiles’ history with the Cooperative started at a young age. As a boy, he helped to “cut the line in” for CVEC to run electricity to the cold storage shed at his family’s apple business. Henry Chiles has been no stranger to hard work, speaking directly, and applying common sense.
Since joining the CVEC board 46 years ago, he has represented the West District and served as a dedicated leader with excitement and enthusiasm for the Cooperative’s business model, mission, and its memberowners. Using his business-savvy approach throughout nearly 5 decades of service, he has never wavered from his dedication to CVEC members and his goal of keeping energy bills as low as possible.
“Serving on the CVEC board has been an honor and I am very grateful to the members for continuing to entrust me to represent their best interests,” stated Chiles. “Throughout my time on the board, I’ve had the privilege of working with multiple CEOs and fellow directors and have seen the Cooperative take on significant changes in the industry from regulations to technology to power supply. I’m thankful to have served on the board during CVEC’s rural broadband project and to have witnessed and been a part of so many accomplishments. I’m confident that the Cooperative is in excellent hands and will continue its member-focus and mission to transform lives.”
Mr. Chiles and his children have continued the family’s apple business known as Crown Orchard - a legacy that began with both of his grandfathers. Mr. Chiles also owns Chiles Peach Orchard and Carter Mountain Orchard, and is recognized nationally as a business leader among fruit growers. In 2014, he was selected as America’s Apple Packer of the Year by the U.S. Apple Association.