East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (ECE) Director Jim Hall recently became the first in the co-op’s history to receive the Director Gold credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

NRECA’s Director Certificate programs are specifically designed to help electric cooperative directors, at every stage of their service, understand their roles and responsibilities, stay up-to-date on the key issues and trends in the industry and prepare them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. The Director Certificate Programs are offered in three parts, taken in progression from fundamental to advanced.

First is the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certification. The certification requires completion of five courses that focus on basic governance knowledge and the essential skills required of cooperative directors. The CCD prepares directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership.

Next, is the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC). The second part of the director education program consists of a series of courses focusing in greater depth on specific industry and governance issues. These include risk management, power supply, parliamentary procedure, technology and policy development.

And last, the Director Gold credential recognizes directors committed to continuing their education beyond the CCD and BLC and demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. To maintain this certification, they must take additional courses every two years.

Hall has represented District 6 on the ECE Board since June of 2015 and has served as the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer on the Board since August of 2016.

When receiving the award, Hall said, “It is an honor and privilege to serve our members. The least I can do is take advantage of the opportunity to educate myself about the electric utility and broadband industries. I hope it makes me a better trustee and steward of our members assets.”

ECE General Manager Tim Smith said, “The time commitment spent to earn these credentials speaks volumes about our Board of Trustees’ dedication to serving our Cooperative. As entrusted elected officials, as well as being co-op members themselves, they understand the value of this kind of education and how it contributes to acting in the best interest of their fellow members. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievement and continuing service to our cooperative.”

NRECA represents the nation’s more than 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 42 million people in 47 states. East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative serves over 26,000 members across parts of Creek, Lincoln, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Seminole, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties.