Q&A with OEC Board Trustee Ronnie Tharp

Over the next few months, the members who make up OEC's board of trustees will answer questions about their service to fellow member-consumers and their communities. You will also learn more about them as people — devoted family members, small business leaders, your neighbors and more.

As representatives of you — our member-consumers — our board of trustees works hard to become the knowledgeable, dedicated trustees you would expect to lead your co-op. They direct your voice in decisionmaking and guide the operations that have set OEC apart from other electric providers.

Last month, we heard from Rusty Grissom. This month, let's meet Ronnie Tharp from Verden who proudly represents members in District 9 (Amber, Dibble, Mustang and Pocasset).

Q: Most electric companies consist of investors and personnel stationed in all parts of the world, disconnecting them from the true needs of today's electric consumers. Electric co-ops like OEC consist of people right here in the very communities we serve. Which community do you proudly call home?

I was born in Oklahoma City but moved to Verden/Pocasset area at a young age. I've remained in the Verden/Pocasset area most of my life.

Q: What is your full-time occupation?

I am retired now, but I help my son on our farm operation near Pocasset.

Q: Tell our readers something interesting about you — something not a lot of people may know about you.

I worked 35 years at Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC, OEC's wholesale power supplier) — 21 years in the power plant, nine years as a dispatcher and five years as an Operations Compliance Specialist. [Employees] are all so talented at what they do and have great knowledge of their jobs. They're passionate about serving our members well and making sure that when the lights do go out, they're quick to get them back on.

Q: What are the different ways you serve your community?

My wife and I are longtime supporters of the local FFA chapter and the Verden Volunteer Fire Department.

Q: Let's meet your family — introduce us to your better half, kids and grandkids.

I've been married to my wife, Ronda, for 42 years. We have a son, Chad, and one great daughter-in-law, Kara, and two perfect grandsons, Colter and Cooper.

Q: You've seen some pretty big changes at OEC throughout your 5-year tenure. What is the largest change you believe OEC has experienced?

The largest and most beneficial to members is the broadband project. There's also been load growth on the electric side faster than I ever expected.

Q: Board trustees are required to not only learn a lot once they join the board, but to retain all the knowledge it takes to run an electric cooperative — in addition to keeping up with changes in the industry. What certifications do you hold that prove you are qualified to hold the position of trustee?

I currently hold the highest level with a Director Gold Certificate. This was achieved following a multi-year board education program.

Q: What is one of the most rewarding aspects of serving on OEC's board of trustees?

As a former co-op employee myself with WFEC, I would have to say getting to meet and know the employees that serve this great co-op. They're all so talented at what they do and have great knowledge of their jobs. They're passionate about serving our members well and making sure that when the lights do go out, they're quick to get them back on. They're family-oriented and treat each other with respect, have diverse backgrounds and are genuinely good people. Our members are lucky to have them.