Clyde M. Hawes

SEMO Electric, M&A Electric Power, and Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives - Inducted in 2015

Clyde Hawes, through four decades of cooperative leadership and a lifetime of community service, has established his reputation as someone who cares about Rural America and his fellow citizens in Southeast Missouri.

First appointed to the local rural electric cooperative board to fill an unexpired term at age 39, Clyde Hawes has been re-elected 12 times, serving SEMO Electric member-owners for nearly 40 years, including tenure as board president from 1996 to 2003. Clyde led the cooperative through a cultural change as the cooperative transitioned from Scott New Madrid Mississippi Electric Cooperative to SEMO Electric, evolving from serving members in three counties to six counties. Clyde guided the cooperative to focus on member satisfaction, outstanding member communication and financial strength. He thinks long-term and does what he believes is the right thing to do, always focused on the cooperative’s mission to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to thousands of homes, farms and businesses.

Also, Clyde was director for M&A Electric Power board beginning in 1991, serving as president since 1999 and on the board of Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives from 1997 to 2005. Clyde is respected for providing a steady hand during challenging times for the cooperative – for his vision and skill in guiding the cooperative as a reliable supplier of electricity, at one of the lowest wholesale rates in Missouri.

Clyde is respected and dependable. He proudly carries the cooperative flag. He embodies effective leadership for cooperative members. He listens. He cares. He asks tough questions. He shares stories as learning moments. Clyde is an effective cooperative spokesperson, an advocate for members, a coach and a mentor.

He values the importance of cooperative education. He is a Certified Credentialed Director through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.  Clyde is well respected as a voice on behalf of cooperatives in Jefferson City and Washington DC.  He is a strong advocate of cooperative principles.

Clyde also served for 35 years in the Missouri Army National Guard and Reserves, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Other community service includes presiding commissioner for New Madrid County from 1998-2014; assessor of New Madrid County from 1976 to 1996; and elder, Sunday school teacher and choir member in his church. 

Clyde provides the standard for public service and as a model of “the Cooperative Way”.

community-oriented; stellar public servant; a visionary dedicated to the cooperative business model; providing decades of exceptional board service