Mike Vernnon, 10-year trustee of East Central Electric Cooperative, recently received the Director Gold Credential certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

An ever-changing business environment has imposed new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the utility business, new governance skills and a solid knowledge of the cooperative principles and business model. East Central Electric Cooperative has a commitment to working with NRECA to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of our members. Vernnon is the third East Central Board Member to complete the required training to receive this commendation.

NRECA's 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 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.

In total, this represents over 150 hours of class time, plus a commitment to an additional 24 hours every two years. 

"It's an honor to continue to learn and serve the community and our members," Vernnon said. 

East Central Electric Cooperative CEO Dwayne Elam said, "The time commitment spent to earn these credentials speaks volumes about our Board of Trustees' dedication to serving our Cooperative. Director Gold demonstrates to members that their trustee is committed to staying informed, strengthening their knowledge, and honoring the responsibility entrusted to them."

"Mike exemplifies what this achievement represents: steady leadership, integrity, and a sincere dedication to serving our members well," Elam said. 

NRECA represents the nation’s more than 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 42 million people in 48 states, with over 7,200 directors. East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative serves over 27,400 members across parts of Creek, Lincoln, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Seminole, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties.