HUGHESVILLE, Md. - Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) director Francis J. Nimmerrichter, who represented Charles County on SMECO's Board of Directors for more than 26 years, retired as of September 5. Richard Winkler of La Plata was recently selected to fill the seat vacated by the retiring director.
Nimmerrichter was appointed to SMECO's Board of Directors in 1980. During his time on the board, Nimmerrichter received his Director's Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and he served as chairman of the Policy and Audit Committee.
A graduate of Gwynn Park High School, Nimmerrichter served in the U.S. Merchant Marines in World War II and in the U.S. Army in Korea. He is the former owner of the Waldorf Chrysler-Plymouth automobile dealership, as well as a local restaurant and tavern. A former agent for People's Life Insurance Company in Charles County, Nimmerrichter is a charter member of the Gallant Green Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Waldorf Elks. He is also a member of the American Legion and the Charles County Farm Bureau.
Winkler was selected from a slate of five candidates to replace Nimmerrichter. Winkler recently retired as the Director of Fiscal Services for Charles County after 27 years. In that position, Winkler was responsible for the entire financial operation of the county government. The county has an annual budget of $400 million and 1,100 employees. Throughout his career in accounting, Winkler has also held positions with COMSAT and Pargas. He also served as a member of a variety of local civic organizations, including the Charles County Rotary Club, United Way, and the Democratic Central Committee. Winkler served in the U.S. Air Force in 1964 and was recalled to active duty from 1968 to 1969. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, University College.
In accordance with Cooperative Board Policy 1-7.1, a committee consisting of four directors from Charles County and the Chairman of the Board selected Winkler from a pool of candidates for the position. Winkler was appointed at the regularly scheduled SMECO Board meeting on October 17, 2006.