Some Granite Staters may know John Goodrich as the keyboard or tuba guy who plays in a few jazz groups. Some may have worked alongside him in community volunteer efforts. Raised in Littleton, John is one of the 11-member Co-op Board of Directors and resides in the very western part of Littleton which the Co-op powers. He also subscribes to  NH Broadband.  

In 2024, John came to the Co-op board, finishing a vacated term that was followed by election to a three-year seat. 

With an educational background in engineering from UNH and business degree from the University of Colorado, John’s career was in operations for a Swiss company that produces and supplies electrical insulation to the global market and specifically, 70 percent of the electrical insulation for high voltage transformers in North America. He was responsible for production plants in the Americas. His  work often brought him to Brazil, Mexico, and several domestic plants and he collaborated globally with plants in Europe and Asia.   

“With my career in high voltage transformer insulation, serving the same customers from whom NHEC purchases” said John, “I thought I could bring my experience to the board with an understanding of some of the topics a utility board encounters.” 

Like his cohorts, John believes strongly in public service. He has served on the school board and planning commission in nearby St. Johnsbury, and on the budget committee in Littleton, as well as hosting monthly blood drives.   

A large part of his professional work involved conversing with people at all levels and finding out what they were thinking. “There is a great deal of innate wisdom from people who work day-to-day in the business” John said. This approach translates to  his board work. “Board members need perspective built from experience  to be effective. Having a sense of what is important to members is critically important.”

While staying true to delivering reliable and cost-effective electricity, the availability and cost of power are ever-present challenges that the board faces,  especially today as power demand surges with AI computer centers. “Our broadband  initiative has helped the Co-op remain true to its mission by leveling the playing field with premium internet access for many formerly underserved members,” he said. “Our rural members often screened from good connectivity by New Hampshire topography, are now able to participate in a modern, digital society.”