I will keep you informed about the issues that impact our ability to carry out our mission, because your awareness and advocacy are vital in that effort.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead two remarkable organizations, Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and Buckeye Power, Inc. (together known as Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives). Our primary goals — providing affordable, reliable power and partnering with electric cooperatives across Ohio to enhance the lives of their members and communities — have never been more important, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
As I step into the role of CEO this month, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to Pat O’Loughlin, whose leadership and dedication have had a profound influence not only on the electric cooperative network across Ohio and around the country, but also on me personally. Pat has been a mentor to me for nearly 30 years, dating back to before either of us was involved with the co-ops, but especially so during the last 21 years we’ve worked together in various roles at OEC.
As you have read in Pat’s messages here over the past 10 years, we are faced with numerous challenges in our mission to provide affordable and reliable power as the electric utility industry has become increasingly complex. However, I want you to know that I am committed to navigating these complexities to achieve the best possible outcomes for Ohio’s cooperatives.
Of course, the other part of our mission — enhancing the lives of our members — is no less important. Along with providing affordable and reliable electricity, we partner on local economic development initiatives, provide employee and community safety training, develop youth programs, and much more. These are fundamental contributions that we make to help strengthen our communities.
Through it all, I will keep you informed about the issues that impact our ability to carry out any part of our mission, because your awareness and advocacy are vital in the effort. It’s crucial that we work together to influence political leaders to pass reasonable laws and regulations that support our cooperatives. I look forward to meeting more of you over the next few years and working together to achieve our goals.
Thank you for your continued support of and dedication to your cooperative. Let us honor Pat’s leadership legacy by striving for excellence, embracing opportunities, and acknowledging the foundational principles that have brought us to where we are. By doing so, we can promote a bright future for Ohio’s electric cooperatives and for the members we serve.
