The value that Community Electric Cooperative places on continuing education was exhibited anew in recent weeks by the professional development achievements of several members of the cooperative’s leadership team.
Board of Directors Chairman Jeannette Everett renewed her “Director Gold Credential” through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Meanwhile, board Director Chad Fowler earned his Director Gold Credential, while Director Michael Faulk earned his “Board Leadership Certificate.”
An ever-changing business environment has imposed new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance and a solid knowledge of the cooperative principles and business model. The NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core courses:
- Director Duties and Liabilities
- Understanding the Electric Business
- Board Operations and Process
- Strategic Planning, and
- Financial Decision Making
“I commend Michael Faulk and Chad Fowler for their diligence and commitment in earning their respective credentials from NRECA,” Everett said. “This is reflective of the caliber of leaders they are, and the seriousness with which they take on their responsibilities as directors of the CEC board. I am pleased that I too was able to renew my credential. It is important for our member-owners that board members stay current on the many facets of cooperative operations, electric sector dynamics, and emerging issues.”
NRECA represents the nation’s almost 900 private, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 42 million people in 48 states. Community Electric is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. The directors are elected by the co-op’s membership at the annual meeting and serve three-year terms.
Everett is from Southampton County; Faulk and Fowler are from the City of Suffolk.
Education, Training and Information is one of the nine guiding principles of rural electric cooperative operations in the United States.