G. Wayne Welsh
G. Wayne Welsh had a lengthy and distinguished career in the field of rural electrification. As an original member of the McDonough Power Cooperative rural electrification committee, Welsh played a leading role in early efforts to get electricity to rural McDonough County. He became one of the cooperative’s incorporators and served on its first board of directors.
Welsh was one of the original incorporators of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) and spent five years as its board president. In addition to serving on the AIEC board, he also represented Illinois on the board of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
AIEC General Manager Thomas H. Moore described Welsh as “quiet, kind, considerate, able with rare intelligence and leadership ability, and dedicated to the service of others.”
In celebration of the AIEC’s 75th anniversary, this is third in a series of profiles on Illinois’ rural electric pioneers.
