Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s service area is divided into seven districts. Members of each district elect a director to represent them for a three-year term. This year, elections are being held for Districts 5, 6 and 7. Ballots will be mailed to those district members who are qualified to vote. Results will be announced at UEC’s Annual Meeting on April 18, 2026.
District 5 includes service areas around Hermiston, Stanfield, Echo, Butter Creek and Pilot Rock. District 5 is currently represented by Tom Pitzer.
Tom Pitzer
Tom Pitzer, has been a Hermiston resident for 61 years. A 1983 graduate of Hermiston High School, he attended Washington State University and Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1991.
Pitzer practiced at Hermiston Veterinary Clinic for 35 years and continues to work part-time after selling his ownership interest in 2019. He also operates a small farm near Hermiston where he raises hay. As both a veterinarian and farmer, he understands the critical role reliable electricity plays in irrigation, livestock care, and local businesses.
Throughout his career, Pitzer has remained actively engaged in community service. His business has supported organizations including FFA, 4-H, Hermiston Boosters, and the Umatilla County Cattleman’s Association. He regularly speaks in local schools about careers in veterinary medicine and has provided job shadowing and externship opportunities for veterinary students.
Pitzer has served Umatilla Electric Cooperative as a Director with a strong focus on education and governance. He has earned the NRECA Director Gold Credential, the highest certification available, and currently serves as board chairman for UEC’s subsidiary, Umatilla Basin Holdings. He has also represented UEC as a voting delegate at both state and national meetings.
He places high priority on maintaining existing infrastructure, mitigating risk, retaining experienced employees, and upholding UEC’s strong safety culture. Looking ahead, he believes his experience will be valuable as UEC navigates rising power costs, a new BPA contract, workforce challenges, and increased regulatory requirements.
Pitzer respectfully asks for your vote to continue representing District 5 on the UEC Board of Directors.
Candidate biographies are provided by the candidates, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Umatilla Electric Cooperative.
Tyler (TJ) Hansell
My name is Tyler Hansell, some of you may know me as TJ. I would appreciate your support and your vote to represent you as the District 5 Director on the Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) Board of Directors.
I believe that UEC can and should be better! Here is how.
- Increasing Communication: Our residential rates have gone up almost 22% since February 2022 – as Cooperative members, we should be better informed as to why.
- Creating Engagement Opportunities: My first focus will be to establish district-wide meetings twice a year. These meetings will create an ongoing dialogue and allow me, as your director, to take information and concerns from District 5 back to the full board for consideration.
- Transparency on Rates: Rates are the main topic we need to have better communication about as a Cooperative. Rates impact our bottom line and we deserve to be better informed. I will work to implement open seminars for District 5 to help our members learn how to take advantage of all the different rebate programs UEC offers with major benefits.
I want to hear from you – Please email me VoteTylerHansellUEC@gmail.com
Leadership Qualifications
- County Line Water Improvement District, 2006-2026
- Oregon Wheat Commission, 2021-2026
- Oregon Wheat Growers League, State Officer, 2014-2017
- FSA Oregon State Committee, 2017-2021
- Oregon Integrated Water Resources Strategy Policy Advisory Group, 2017
- West Umatilla Mosquito Control District Board Member, 2023-2026
- Umatilla Basin Watershed Counsel, 2005-2014
- Hermiston Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Team, 2018-2020
- Hermiston Sports Boosters, 2008-2025
Candidate biographies are provided by the candidates, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Umatilla Electric Cooperative.