From the Top with CEO Patrick Grace

I’ll be the first to say it takes a lot to run a co-op successfully. And while I might have CEO next to my name, I am grateful to share the responsibility with a nine-member board of trustees.

What most people might not realize is the trustees are really the ones in charge. Whatever authority I have comes from them. It’s my job to help implement the decisions they make — after all, they are the representatives of our membership. I will say I am extremely proud of and grateful for a board of trustees that is dedicated to keeping our members’ best interests top of mind.

Beginning this month, you can learn more about the unique perspective each trustee brings to the board. Running a multi-million dollar company is a big responsibility that carries a lot of weight. Luckily, our nine trustees are up for the challenge.

Experience is key. Most of our trustees began serving on our board with little to no knowledge of the electric industry or the cooperative business model — short of paying their electric bill each month and attending Annual Meetings. Imagine the size of that learning curve.

Upon joining the board, trustees immediately begin a strenuous educational journey to becoming knowledgeable co-op leaders capable of making important decisions. Our nationwide association coordinates these programs to ensure trustees have the tools they need to lead their co-ops with integrity, empathy and confidence.

Trustees serve three-year terms, and by the end of the first three-year term, they have only begun to complete the learning curve that comes along with not being onsite every day.

That’s why it’s important for us to meet more than just once a month. Not only do they have a lot to learn, they must also keep up with an industry (now industries with the addition of broadband) that changes quickly.

They are diligent in attending trainings and completing certification programs to show they are qualified to make the decisions they do. They are officers of a corporation, and they do not take those responsibilities lightly. They take risks when they make decisions like opening a subsidiary to start a high-speed internet network from scratch.

I know each trustee is proud to represent their district on OEC’s board. It’s a big job, but they are up for it.