Manager Articles

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

DECEMBER 2025

A Year in Review

It’s hard to believe a full year has already passed since I stepped into the role of CEO at Darke REC. In some ways, it feels like the time has flown by. In others, I can look back and see just how much has changed, and how much I’ve learned along the way.

What stands out most from this first year is the people. The cooperative world has always been about relationships, but I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the teamwork it takes to keep everything running. From the crews in the field to the staff in the office, everyone plays a vital role in serving our members. I’ve seen the pride our employees take in their work and in doing it safely. That pride shines through in the way they care for our members, especially when conditions are challenging.

This year brought its share of obstacles, including unpredictable weather, avian flu, and the constant effort to balance improvements with affordability. Yet it has also been a year of real progress. One of our most significant projects has been improving system reliability through our digital mapping initiative. We’re in the process of mapping every pole and piece of equipment on our system. Once complete, this will allow us to pinpoint outages faster and identify what’s needed to fix issues more efficiently, helping us restore power more quickly when it matters most.

We are also growing our focus on education, both in schools and throughout the community. Our electrical safety programs are on track to reach more students and families this year, reinforcing the importance of staying safe around electricity and power lines. In November, we hosted a first responder safety event here at the cooperative that brought together local firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement. This hands-on training helped strengthen partnerships and ensure everyone is better prepared to respond safely in emergencies.

Education extends to our members as well. Through programs in our community room, we’ve offered practical guidance on how to make homes more energy efficient and reduce energy costs. These sessions spark meaningful conversations about how small changes can make a big difference, and they remind me that our work goes far beyond keeping the lights on.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with many of you at community events, school programs, and here in our office. Each conversation reinforces why this work matters. Every thank-you, question, or suggestion helps us continue to improve as a cooperative.

As I reflect on my first year, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, the teamwork that drives it, and the genuine care our employees show for the members we serve. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but I’m confident in the direction we’re heading. Together, we’ll continue building on the strong foundation that makes Darke REC such a valued part of our community.

Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and service.