HNWS names candidates for upcoming board of directors election

The election will be opened from 7:30 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. This year, two directors, serving three-year terms, one director, serving a two-year term, will be elected.

Proxy and Absentee voting is from December 3, 2025, to January 7, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. Proxies and absentee ballots will be available upon request by calling (850) 939-2427 ext. 237, by email to election@hnws-fl.com, or by coming in person to the Corporate Office at 8574 Turkey Bluff Rd.

Any and all Proxy and Absentee Voting member or spouse requests will be requested to verify active membership with their WIPP PIN or driver’s license. The deadline to mail voter requests from HNWS is December 19, 2025.

This year’s candidates are: Edward Appler, Ken Ingram, Stephanie Lindsay, and Don Linnell.

Biographies and Q&A

Edward Appler

Biography: Born/raised in Upstate New York. BA Political Science/Philosophy Tulane University (1980). MPA University of West Florida (1993). Currently retired. Florida resident since 1987. Navarre resident since 2007. Married 31 years; three children; seven grandchildren. Combat Veteran, retired USAF Lt Col; 26 years active duty. Top Secret/SCI Clearance active at USAF retirement. Lifetime Member Veterans of Foreign Wars; Air Force Association; Spectre Association. Libertarian Party of Florida Vice Chair (November 2024 – Present); LPF Director-at-Large (January 2024 – November 2024); LPF Secretary (August 2019- January 2024). Current Chair, Libertarian Party of Santa Rosa County. Previous LPSRC Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer.

Background:

1. What experiences do you have that is related to Holley Navarre Water System’s Mission?

• While I don’t have specific technical expertise related to the HNWS mission, I do have experience in board membership. Also, during 26 years in the Air Force, I held many senior officer positions, providing a solid leadership background. I hold a Master of Public administration degree from the University of West Florida. I have served on the Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Florida for the past six years, and have chaired many LPF EC meetings, as well as being active in numerous LPF committees.

2. What personal qualities can you bring to the Board of Directors?

• Leadership, integrity, and perseverance.

3. Will you be able to devote the time required to serve? Is there anything in your life that might hinder you?

• Absolutely. I’m fully retired, and there are no personal issues that would hinder my complete involvement.

4. Would you have any conflicts of interest, previous or current with the business of Holley Navarre Water System?

• None whatsoever.

5. What other board experiences have you had?

• Vice Chair, Libertarian Party of Florida from 2024 to present; Director-at-Large of LPF in 2024; Secretary, LPF from 2019 to 2024. I am also the current Chair of the Libertarian Party of Santa Rosa County, and previously served as Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer of the LPSRC at various times beginning in 2018.

6. What do you know about Holley Navarre Water System, Inc?

• I’ve lived in Navarre for the past 18 years. During that time, I’ve watched this organization evolve from questionable decision making to a professionally led organization. I know I’ve had good service from the utility for 18 years, and during that time, I’ve always trusted the water quality.

Skills, Abilities, and Talents:

1. How would you characterize the boards’ role for Holley Navarre Water System, Inc (HNWS)?

• The Board’s role is to promote Core Values as outlined in the 2025 HNWS Mission Statement. This includes serving customers with integrity, understanding the fiduciary responsibility associated with holding a position on the board, and representing the organization positively. Board members must recognize the needs of the HNWS members, and help the Chair and CEO resolve conflicts as they arise.

2. How would you describe the goals HNWS and how does HNWS achieve these goals?

• Again, from the 2025 HNWS Mission Statement, “Be a premier water and wastewater utility company dedicated to helping members and dependably serving and actively protecting a life sustaining resource, your water.

3. Do you understand HNWS board has a fiduciary responsibility? If yes, are you prepared to make decisions that a person of reasonable intelligence, discretion, and prudence could be expected to make?

• I fully understand the concept of fiduciary responsibility, and am prepared to make decisions reflecting that understanding.

4. Why would you like to become involved with HNWS, and what has your involvement looked like thus far?

• The board has had issues in its recent past that seem to have been resolved by electing members of integrity to positions of authority. I regularly attend HNWS meetings in person, because I want to be informed on the actions of the corporation and board of directors. Joining the board is a logical next step.

5. How do you feel about performance evaluations?

• Having served in the military for 26 years, I’ve had my share of performance evaluations, and I’ve also written many more reports on subordinates. Performance evaluations are a valuable tool in determining which members of the organization are actually doing the job they are expected to accomplish.

Ken Ingram

Biography: I am a 45-year business executive with experience with a Fortune 200 company, e-commerce, and my own consulting firm. My roles include Product Management, Vendor Relations, Contract Negotiations, Pricing, Competitive Analysis, Sales, Operations, and IT Management. I’ve led teams of over 100 both domestically and internationally. I volunteered for over 15 years with the AutoCare Association’s – Technology Standards Committee and served on the Board of Automotive Content Professionals Network. My wife, Kathy, and I have lived here for five years. We have 3 grown children and 1 grandchild, and they visit often. We both love the Navarre community.

Background:

1. What experiences do you have that is related to Holley Navarre Water System’s Mission?

• I have extensive experience in managing large teams, as well as proficiency in contract negotiations and vendor relations. With 45 years of business operational expertise and 30 years of consulting and mentoring businesses of all sizes, my background aligns closely with the mission of Holley Navarre Water System (HNWS).

2. What personal qualities can you bring to the Board of Directors?

• I Strong work ethics, comprehensive business knowledge, honesty, and leadership. An analytical and quantitative mindset, coupled with robust problem-solving skills.

3. Will you be able to devote the time required to serve? Is there anything in your life that might hinder you?

• I am currently semi-retired and will soon be fully retired, providing ample time to devote to board responsibilities. There are no personal commitments that would hinder my involvement with the Board.

4. Would you have any conflicts of interest, previous or current with the business of Holley Navarre Water System?

• I have no previous or current conflicts of interest with the business of HNWS.

5. What other board experiences have you had?

• I served as President of the Gresham Ridge Homeowners Association in Kennesaw, GA for ten years and was a Board Director for the Automotive Content Professional Network.

6. What do you know about Holley Navarre Water System, Inc?

• We’ve been a member of HNWS for 5 years now, the Company is a not-for-profit member owned organization with two for profit subsidiaries charged with meeting the water and wastewater needs of its members.

Skills, Abilities, and Talents:

1. How would you characterize the boards’ role for Holley Navarre Water System, Inc (HNWS)?

• The Board’s role should encompass oversight and strategic direction setting for all aspects of the Company’s operating units, ensuring compliance with our established Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and all applicable laws and regulations. The Board should focus on safeguarding the Company’s protection and viability in a transparent manner for all members.

2. How would you describe the goals HNWS and how does HNWS achieve these goals?

• Provide safe, clean water for all members always. Provide wastewater treatment that meets all applicable laws and regulations while being good stewards to our environment. Provide and plan for future growth while protecting our ability to perform both of the above. Ensure all operating units contribute to the financial health of the Company. All of this is at the lowest cost to members.

3. Do you understand HNWS board has a fiduciary responsibility? If yes, are you prepared to make decisions that a person of reasonable intelligence, discretion, and prudence could be expected to make?

• I am aware of the Board’s fiduciary responsibility and am prepared to make decisions that reflect intelligence, discretion, and prudence.

4. Why would you like to become involved with HNWS, and what has your involvement looked like thus far?

• I have attended or viewed most monthly meetings for the last two years. Involvement is a community service where my extensive business experience can benefit the Board, contributing to the present and future growth of the Company while advocating for member interests.

5. How do you feel about performance evaluations?

• Performance evaluations are a vital tool in developing employee growth and should be conducted at least annually. Employees need and want feedback and direction.

Stephanie Lindsay

Biography: Stephanie Lindsay is a U.S. Army veteran who proudly continued her family’s tradition of military service. After separating from the military, she pursued higher education while raising her children, Colton and Sara. Her civilian career includes roles with Pacific Architects and Engineers and with the Cities of Abilene, Texas, and Gulf Breeze. She specialized in water quality, code enforcement, and project management, Her husband, Benjamin, retired from the Air Force in 2023, making Navarre the family’s permanent home. She is deeply committed to public service and providing her time and experience to the Holley Navarre Water System Board at Directors.

Background:

1. What experiences do you have that is related to Holley Navarre Water System’s Mission?

• I have experience withing a Water Quality Program, as the Program Manager for Sheppard AFB, my role was more broad-strategic & oversight for compliance. Additionally, I have worked as a municipal employee for 2 cities – where customer service, quality work, & safety were important – aligning with HNWS goals for safety, reliability, & member satisfaction.

2. What personal qualities can you bring to the Board of Directors?

• I believe I can be of service on the Board with my people – first mentality. I believe that a cooperative, team environment will increase efficiency & satisfaction. I am very motivated to be involved, as this position will allow me to both learn & give back in my local community.

3. Will you be able to devote the time required to serve? Is there anything in your life that might hinder you?

• Although, I do work, full-time, as a consultant I have flexibility within my schedule. Additionally, I have discussed this volunteer opportunity with my employer, who is very supportive of my goal to serve, should I be a good fit for HNWS.

4. Would you have any conflicts of interest, previous or current with the business of Holley Navarre Water System?

• I will not have any conflicts of interest.

5. What other board experiences have you had?

• This will be my first venture to serve on a board. I have experience in presenting to, & providing updates to, various city councils & county commissioner meetings.

6. What do you know about Holley Navarre Water System, Inc?

• I know a few past employees, who have shared with me how exemplary the utility system is to date – both within the day-to-day operations, customer satisfaction & employee satisfaction. These sentiments are applaudable, it is refreshing to know that those who have worked here speak so highly of the organization.

Skills, Abilities, and Talents:

1. How would you characterize the boards’ role for Holley Navarre Water System, Inc (HNWS)?

• HNWS Board of Directors serves the Water Utility in guiding policy, fiduciary, & strategic decisions – in short, to broadly oversee organizational goals. Additionally, the Board should strive to support leadership & staff, and foster public trust.

2. How would you describe the goals HNWS and how does HNWS achieve these goals?

• With a primary goal of delivering safe water & wastewater services, HNWS achieves this through strategic planning & employing personnel that are devoted to this service.

3. Do you understand HNWS board has a fiduciary responsibility? If yes, are you prepared to make decisions that a person of reasonable intelligence, discretion, and prudence could be expected to make?

• I understand the fiduciary responsibility & I am prepared to make these decisions with the above – listed expectations.

4. Why would you like to become involved with HNWS, and what has your involvement looked like thus far?

• My early career began within a Water Quality Program, so I have a passion for learning & assisting in water utility programs. Recently, my work at the City of Gulf Breeze brought me in contact with various utility projects, which grew my passion further & motivate me to serve those who serve the public.

5. How do you feel about performance evaluations?

• Personally, I am not opposed to performance evaluations – for myself it can enable me to grow. For a water utility, I would assume an evaluation may be necessary to rate performance or adherence to regulations.

Don Linnell

Biography:  I’m retired, married to Teresa for 44 years, we moved to Navarre in November 2016. USAF veteran, B-52 and A-10 avionics, followed by 40 years within the aerospace & defense industry. Software/systems background plus program management and business development positions. Past town councilor for South Berwick, ME, and committee chairman for Boy Scouts Troop 18, Boerne, TX. Appointed to HNWS board in June 2021 to fill an open seat, then elected to a 3-year term in January 2022. If elected, my main goals are keeping member rates as low as possible, expanding the sewer capability, and financial transparency.

Background:

1. What experiences do you have that is related to Holley Navarre Water System’s Mission?

• Former HNWS Board Member Committee Chairman, BSA Troop 18, Boerne, TX, Town Councilor, South Berwick, Me.

2. What personal qualities can you bring to the Board of Directors?

• Knowledge of HNWS operations, work ethic, honesty, integrity.

3. Will you be able to devote the time required to serve? Is there anything in your life that might hinder you?

• Yes, No

4. Would you have any conflicts of interest, previous or current with the business of Holley Navarre Water System?

• No

5. What other board experiences have you had?

• Prior HNWS Board Member, BSA Troop 18 Boerne, Tx, Town Councilor South Berwick, ME

6. What do you know about Holley Navarre Water System, Inc?

• Very familiar with the structure, budget process, subsidiaries, & many staff members.

Skills, Abilities, and Talents:

1. How would you characterize the boards’ role for Holley Navarre Water System, Inc (HNWS)?

• Provide strategic direction & oversight.

2. How would you describe the goals HNWS and how does HNWS achieve these goals?

• Providing clean safe water & disposal of waste water. Achieved thru proper testing, qualified employees, and maintaining proper infrastructure.

3. Do you understand HNWS board has a fiduciary responsibility? If yes, are you prepared to make decisions that a person of reasonable intelligence, discretion, and prudence could be expected to make?

• Yes

4. Why would you like to become involved with HNWS, and what has your involvement looked like thus far?

• I believe in community service, I am a prior Board Member.

5. How do you feel about performance evaluations?

–              Strong believer in perf evaluation, from the CEO down throughout the organization. They document performance requirement & how the employee met those or needs improvement.