Alan Israel is the newest Haywood EMC Board Director, serving district six in Buncombe County. He fills the seat vacated by Dr. Kenneth Israel (no relation).

Mr. Israel is a lifelong resident of Upper Hominy, graduated from Enka High School, and in 2002 graduated with a B.S. in Horticulture Science at NC State University.  Mr. Israel is the co-owner at Jesse Israel and Sons Garden Center in Asheville, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce 2022 Family Business of the year, and still operates a six-generation century farm.

While installing a solar array at his residence in 2014, Mr. Israel learned much about the cooperative and electricity. As a member-owner who not only purchases electricity, but also generates it, he has a unique perspective on how the cooperative services the community. As a successful business owner, he hopes to bring his managerial skills to the HEMC Board of Directors, and give back to his community. He also hopes to bring his knowledge of solar electricity to help educate prospective solar owners, and expand access to electric vehicle charging stations. His main goal as a director is the same as the cooperative's, to provide safe and reliable power at a reasonable cost to all member-owners.

Mr. Israel resides in Candler with his wife Heather and daughter McKinley. In his spare time, he enjoys being active in Boy Scouts of America as an assistant den leader with his daughter.