East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (ECE) Director Mike Vernnon was recognized at the May Board Meeting for completing the Board Leadership Certification 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.
Vernnon has previously completed 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.
The Board Leadership Certificate, 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.
Vernnon has represented District 4 on the ECE Board of Trustees since 2015.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and obtain the certification," Vernnon said. "As always, I look forward to serve our members into the future."
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.