Future-Proofing the Co-op

Future-Proofing the Co-op

NNEC employees play a vital role in our mission to improve the quality of life in our communities and our efforts to provide members reliable and affordable electric service.

“We are repurposing the existing talent, which is vast, to meet the rapidly changing needs of our members,” says Brad Hicks, president and CEO. “We are also training and developing talent throughout the organization as we prepare for the retirement of incredibly important members of our team. The future of NNEC is in good hands to continue our record of success and member satisfaction.”

With an eye to the future needs of the membership, NNEC is pleased to announce the following personnel changes.

Keith Balderson has been promoted to serve as NNEC’s inaugural substation foreman.

He is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair programs of the co-op’s over 20 substations and hundreds of other pieces of critical infrastructure.

“Keith has demonstrated expertise and leadership for many years, and I am thankful to have him on our team,” says Steve Minor, manager, engineering services.

Gabe Fearing has completed step 6 of the Substation Technician Apprenticeship Program, which is an eight-step program that prepares professionals for an intensive career.

A substation technician constructs, maintains and repairs substation facilities and equipment used to deliver electric power to members.

Gena Boarman has completed step 6 of the Lineworker Technician Apprenticeship Program, which is an eight step program that prepares professionals for an intensive career.

A lineworker constructs, maintains and repairs the transmission and distribution network required to deliver electric power to members.

Chris Henry has completed step 6 of the Lineworker Technician Apprenticeship Program.

At the conclusion of this program, the lineworker may qualify for a journeyman’s license. NNEC is proud to support the continued education and training of our lineworkers through this important program.

Walter “W.D.” Cole has been named the member service field representative. In this role, Cole will deliver exceptional service to the members through energy-efficiency audits, troubleshoot and inspect meters, and install and maintain other member-facing programs.

Sheila Balderson has been named the engineering assistant. In this role, Balderson will provide organizational and administrative support to the Engineering Department through responding to member inquiries, assisting in the creation and tracking of new service and service improvement requests, and more.