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 are also required to vote on whether or not to approve the minutes from last year's meeting, which can be reviewed by clicking 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.

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.

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

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.