The board of member-owned nonprofit Yampa Valley Electric Association has appointed Stagecoach area resident Sheela Waugh to fill the vacant District 9 board seat representing southern Routt County.

Waugh has worked 32 years as a research scientist in the biotechnology sector and is currently semi-retired working part time as a chemist at ACZ Laboratories in Steamboat Springs. Waugh submitted her application to the electric co-op and was appointed to serve during the Sept. 24 YVEA board meeting.

“As a career research scientist, I wanted to join the YVEA board to bring a unique perspective that complements the existing expertise of other members,” Waugh said. “I aim to contribute by applying my analytical skills and data-driven approach to help guide decisions that benefit both the organization and the community.”

Waugh earned a master’s degree in science in microbiology and has been visiting Routt County since 1998. In her free time, she enjoys rafting and spending time on Stagecoach Reservoir.

Waugh will fulfill the remaining board term through 2027 vacated by Ken Rogers, who stepped down in June for a family move after serving on the board since 2018.

The next YVEA board meeting is Tuesday with member-owner comments accepted at noon. The YVEA board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. YVEA serves almost 28,500 meters and 23,000 customers covering a 7,000 square-mile service territory in northwest Colorado and southern Wyoming.