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FreeState has a mission. Your cooperative strives to be an innovative, member-driven electric cooperative that exceeds our member’s needs for safe, reliable and cost-effective energy services. As FreeState Electric Cooperative that has been our No. 1 focus. Members first.

The cooperative will continue to embrace that mentality as we push toward the future. I am confident FreeState will continue to take a leadership role in providing communities, employees, and members with the tools necessary to maintain long-term success. It’s just what we do.

I have been in the electric cooperative industry 37 years and I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business. I have worked with cooperatives large and small, and for the past 13 ½ years I’ve led some of the best and brightest right here in Northeast Kansas. And, at the end of 2021 it’s time to let someone else lead and start the transition to the next chapter. Retirement.

Retirement is bittersweet in some ways. While I look forward to more time with my family, I’ll miss working with my cooperative family – not just at FreeState, but across the country. I’m excited to see where FreeState goes from here. The next generation of leadership is adapting strategies, improving technology and operations as we navigate the evolving utility industry on behalf of each of our members who rely on us.

My career has been filled with elements of challenge, cooperation, collaboration, and learning. These elements are all part of the cooperative’s core values and will continue even after I go. I can tell you with the greatest confidence that your cooperative is in capable hands and will continue the vision of being your trusted energy partner. They will continue looking at innovative and fresh ways to better serve each and every one of you.

As we begin the transition, we’ll be providing more information about your next CEO in the upcoming months. I’m excited for you to meet him and look forward to seeing where the cooperative goes from here. Although I’m telling you retirement is coming, I’m not going anywhere yet. FreeState will continue to strive toward industry leadership and the goals we have set for 2021.

Our members are our commitment, and that won’t change.