Board of Directors

About Dave

From humble beginnings growing up in Pittsburg, PA, Dave Kelso has made the most of opportunities in education and community service.

Director Kelso represents District 13 on the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative governing board, serving the interests of members in Hereford, southeast Sierra Vista and the southern portion of Highway 83.

His impressive career at the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground on Fort Huachuca and his more recent service as the president of Border Animal Rescue – which aids abandoned pets and local humane shelters – represents a near perfect mix for the SSVEC board. Kelso combines the technical expertise needed to grasp the challenges facing today’s electric cooperatives with a passion for public service.

“I felt that my experience, education, and being raised in Pittsburgh, in a blue-collar household, would allow me to both understand and serve the members of my district and as such make the best possible decisions in support of our members,” Kelso said in a recent interview.

Kelso logged a total of 38 years at the fort’s proving ground, during two separate periods. After starting as a Senior Engineer and Project Test Lead in 1979, he eventually became the Manager of the Radar and Sensors Test Branch. He left the proving ground after eight years to serve as the Senior Team Leader for electrical systems and the electromechanical design team, for the Army’s Aviation Systems Command.

In September 1990 he returned to the fort’s proving ground, where he worked for the next, almost 30 years, with his last six years as the Technical Director and Deputy to the Commander.

“My professional experience and education permit me to understand the technology and business aspects of SSVEC,” Kelso said.

In April 2018, Kelso joined Border Animal Rescue, working to make a difference in an organization that strives to reduce pet overpopulation, promote the adoption and care for abandoned pets, and actively trap, neuter and return free-roaming cats. He has since become president of the organization, assuming the position in April 2020.