Q&A with Board Trustee Danny Watters

Periodically, we feature the members who make up OEC's board of trustees. They 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.

Danny Watters proudly represents members in District 7 (Tuttle and Bridge Creek).

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?

A. I was born in Oklahoma City and raised there before relocating to Newcastle.

Q. What is your full-time occupation?

A. I am a retired OEC lineman.

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

A. I’ve been playing bluegrass music since 1972. I started learning the guitar at the age of 13. I was in the Oklahoma Army National Guard for 20 years and retired at the rank of Captain. I worked at OEC for 36 years and retired as a District Lineman. I’ve been a member of Maranatha Baptist Church since 1991. I’ve been on the board of directors and the editor of the Bluegrass Times for the Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society since 2005. I enjoy building things out of wood.

Q. As someone who has been deeply rooted in community your entire life, it has led to many fulfilling projects for you. What are the different ways you serve your community?

A. We have gone to nursing homes and performed for the residents. I have worked with many musicians over the last 20 years to have at least two bluegrass fundraisers a year for the Newcastle Senior Citizens Center to help with the operations of the center. I have been involved with Special Olympics Oklahoma through OEC for many years.

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

A. I was married to Trudy for 39 1/2 years before she passed away in 2020. I have three boys and one daughter, 12 grandkids, 1 cat, 3 ducks and 10 chickens — and countless musical instruments.

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

A. OEC has had many employees retire in the last 15 years and has kept up with this change by training new folks in many work areas (job shadowing and leadership classes). The results have been exceptional service in all areas of our mission. Fiber- to-the-home (FTTH) is another big benefit for our membership and communities. I believe we will continue to grow in the rural areas because of the FTTH project. I am proud of how our management and employees adapted to the COVID-19 situation and continued to provide the highest quality member services while working at home and adjusting their schedules to fit the present need. OEC has kept up with the changing technology and I believe we are the best trained, well-equipped co-op in the nation.

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?

A. Currently, I hold the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association), as well as the Board Leadership certificate and Director Gold designation. These were achieved following multi-year board education programs.

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

A. Being able to stay connected to the mission of the co-op and provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Staying in touch with the employees is rewarding also. They are the trained workers and first contact with our members. I am very proud of the professional teams we have in each department that has made this cooperative a top tier company in the electrical industry.