Message from the CEO
It's no secret that for leaders to be most effective, they must be knowledgeable about the industries and issues that could impact the organizations they serve. This is especially true in the electric industry. Our local cooperative leaders—our Board of Directors, who are elected by fellow members—invest a great amount of time in education and training so they are knowledgeable about issues that affect the operations of East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative.
Our Board of Directors guides the Cooperative in providing electricity that is safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable. It plays a crucial role in determining the strategic direction and priorities of ECI REC. This input and guidance are key as we keep the lights on today and work to meet our members’ future energy needs. We strongly believe that a more informed and educated Board is a more effective and successful Board, which is why ECI REC invests resources in providing quality education and training to our Directors. Through our affiliations with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, our Directors have valuable opportunities to attend governance education courses and industry conferences, where they learn about the latest challenges, trends, regulations, and technologies affecting electric cooperatives. In fact, our national association manages an extensive credential program for electric cooperative Directors. This program includes opportunities to earn Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificates and Board Leadership Certificates. Five of ECI REC’s current Directors have earned these certificates.
These programs are especially important for newer directors, as they must quickly learn about their roles and responsibilities and understand the challenges and issues unique to the electric industry. Many of these education courses are provided here in Iowa, which helps us manage costs.
Investing in valuable education and training for our Board of Directors helps ensure our leaders make informed decisions that will guide ECI REC to a successful future as we power lives and empower the communities we serve.
Five ECI REC Directors have received their Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate; four of these five have also obtained their Board Leadership and Director Gold Certificates.
BOARD LEADERSHIP
Jeff Elliott
Ryan Kress
Steve Rau
Don Shonka
CREDENTIALED COOPERATIVE DIRECTOR
Jeff Elliott
Ryan Kress
Steve Rau
Don Shonka
Gary McKenna
DIRECTOR GOLD CREDENTIAL
Jeff Elliott
Ryan Kress
Steve Rau
Don Shonka