Each year, three of the nine board positions are elected on a rotating basis, with members being allowed to submit a petition to run for one of the eligible seats. This year, board seats for districts 2, 5, and 8 are up for election.

Members will have the option to vote in each of the three elections, but will only be required to vote on whether or not to approve the minutes from last year's meeting, which can be reviewed by clicking here.

To view a sample ballot, please click here.

District 2 - Awendaw

Donald "Clay" Helms
(Unopposed)

  • Husband to Wendy; Dad to Austin & Collins; Father-in-law to Chandler; and Poppy to AnnaGray, MarlerHayes & BeauHenry.
  • Resident of Awendaw SC and attends St Andrews Anglican Church
  • An accomplished entrepreneur, leading the medical device company Ortho Total Solutions, and a proud sponsor of the SC Orthopedics and Podiatry Association.   
  • Currently the owner of Marshview Home Services, offering property owners skilled professionals who deliver quality results on their home projects.
  • An enthusiastic hunter, previously involved as a member of Ducks Unlimited and the National Wildlife Turkey Federation.
Candidate Video

District 5 - Goose Creek

Lee Clayton

(Incumbent)

I believe in service – service to country, service to community, and service to the members of Berkeley Electric Cooperative. I am asking you to re-elect me to serve District 5. I’ve invested years in learning this role, building relationships, and understanding the complex challenges we face—and there’s more work to do.

  • Grew up in Goose Creek and graduated from Goose Creek High School in 1980
  • Served in the United States Air Force
  • Retired police officer, having served in Moncks Corner and North Charleston
  • Married to wife Tracy for over 36 years
  • Has served 3 years on the Berkeley Electric Board
  • Completed Credentialed Cooperative Director certification
  • Earned Board Leadership Certificate through National Rural Electric Cooperative Assn.
  • I have taken courses in risk management, power supply, governance and policy development.
Candidate Video

District 5 - Goose Creek

Debbie Chatman Bryant

(Challenger)

If elected to the Board of Trustees, I will champion environmentally friendly solutions, support affordable access for low-income households, renters, and seniors, and always ensure your concerns are heard and addressed.

  • Born in Moncks Corner, graduated from Berkeley High School
  • Retired from a career in nursing
  • Served a nurse, educator and community leader
  • Led community outreach at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center
  • Served as Associate Professor & Associate Dean in the College of Nursing
  • Was the Executive Director for Operations, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center
  • Married to husband, Jeff, for 35 years as a military family
Candidate Video

District 8 - Johns Island

Robert C. Jenkins

(Incumbent/Unopposed)

  • Charleston native
  • Graduated James Island High School (1971)
  • Graduated The Citadel in 1975 with a degree in Business Administration
  • Worked for Charleston Supply for 40 years, as a Sales Rep., where I served the industrial needs for the Paper, Steel, and Chemical industries. My success lies in providing quality customer service, listening to the needs of customers and finding unique and cost-effective ways to meet those needs.
  • Married for over 40 years to wife (Ruby), 2 step-daughters (Lorree & Donna), 1 grand daughter (Lydia)
  • Member of the Exchange Club of Charleston for 3 years. (Left due to scheduling conflicts).
  • Lived in Summerville for over 10 years.
  • Member Dorchester Presbyterian Church, while in Summerville.
  • Moved to Johns Island in 1992.
  • We are active members of Johns Island Presbyterian Church. We help with: Ushers, greeters, and any small wood projects.
  • Member and past President of James Island Dance Club.
  • During retirement, I am also employed part time at Ace Hardware where I enjoy meeting and assisting the residents of our islands. Particularly, problem solving and finding alternatives to meet the needs of our customers.
  • As a 30-year+ resident of Johns Island, I want to be more involved in this ever-growing community.