Jeff Koehler, Stearns Electric Association Board of Director, received the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in November. 

An ever-changing business environment has imposed new demands on electric cooperative directors, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility industry, new governance skills and a solid knowledge of the cooperative principles and business model. Stearns Electric has committed to work through NRECA to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of its electric cooperative member-consumers.

The NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of basic competencies contained in five core courses:

• Director Duties and Liabilities

• Understanding the Electric Business

• Board Operations and Process

• Strategic Planning

• Financial Decision Making

Koehler was elected to the Cooperative’s Board in a 2022 special election to represent District 5, which serves Minnesota Townships Bangor, Glenwood and Grove Lake in Pope County; Raymond, Getty, Grove, North Fork, Lake George, Spring Hill, St. Martin, Crow Lake, Crow River and Lake Henry in Stearns County; and Roseville Township in Kandiyohi County. He was re-elected in 2024.

“Stearns Electric is committed to providing training and education for both our employees and our Board of Directors,” Matt O’Shea, CEO, said. “The education that our directors obtain through NRECA’s training and education program provides a solid foundation of knowledge of the energy industry for our directors and allows them to better serve our members and lead the Cooperative.” 

NRECA represents the nation’s more than 900 private, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 42 million people in 48 states, including Melrose-based Stearns Electric Association.