Are you considering running for a position on the Central Electric Cooperative Board of Directors in 2024? Davison, Hanson and at-large director terms expire this year.

Director nominating petitions are available in Davison County on March 21 and due by April 10. Petitions are available in Hanson County on March 25 and due by April 12. Petitions for director-at-large are available on July 12 and due by August 1.

All sitting directors are eligible for reelection. Jeff Gustafson represents Davison County, Mark Hofer represents Hanson County and Merl Bechen is the director-at-large. 

Serving on the board of directors for an electric cooperative involves committing yourself to the following standards and guidelines. Central Electric Cooperative Directors must: 

– Be a cooperative member in good standing
– Be willing and able to commit to 25+ working days per year to fulfill their duties 
– Attend at least 10 out of 12 regular board meetings each year (usually the third Monday each month)
– Pass a background check that indicates no felonies within the last five years
– Permanently reside in the district
– Have their primary residence served by Central Electric Cooperative or meet corporate qualifications
– Not be a close relative of an existing director unless the director will cease serving within one year
– Not be a close relative of an existing cooperative officer, employee, agent or representative 
– Not be employed by or materially affiliated with another director
– Not be affiliated with an individual or entity directly and substantially competing with the cooperative 
– Not sell goods or services in substantial quantity to the cooperative or its members
– Obtain director certification from National Rural Electric Cooperative Association 
– Comply with other reasonable qualifications determined by the board 

This is a general snapshot of director eligibility guidelines. A full list of director eligibility requirements is available in the cooperative's bylaws which can be viewed at online at www.centralec.coop/cooperative-bylaws. Please contact General Manager Ken Schlimgen at 1-800-477-2892 if you have director eligibility questions.