Electric Cooperative Director Training

An effective board of directors is a high priority for electric cooperatives. Extraordinary board governance requires a strong commitment to learning. Since our boards are elected from among the member-owners of the cooperative most have no previous experience with the utility business. The duties of directors are outlined in state statute and the co-op articles of incorporation and bylaws. The duties of a director include obedience, diligence and loyalty; summed up as director “fiduciary duties.”

The fundamental responsibility is to be engaged, informed and faithful fiduciaries and gatekeepers, protecting the long-term interests of members (stockholders) and other important constituencies, including regulators, employees, customers and the public. Being engaged and acting on an informed basis requires directors to understand the operations, financial model and strategy for the electric cooperative.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certification program provides electric cooperative directors with the foundation of knowledge needed to effectively provide leadership. The CCD certificate is awarded upon completion of five courses in the 2600-level curriculum and a learning assessment for each. We recommend board members earn this credential during their first three-year term on the board of directors.

Directors who have earned their CCD certificate are eligible for the NRECA Board Leadership Certificate. This certificate is earned by completing a total of 10 credits from the 900-level courses. These courses are designed to be “challenger” workshops on key current issues.

In addition to these nationally customized courses we offer industry updates during our membership meetings and conferences. MREA also customizes courses on capital credits, governance best practices, Roberts Rules of Order, and understanding financial key ratios important to electric cooperative directors. Please see our event schedule and descriptions for details.