Phone: 800.279.2667 | Fax: 701.577.3777
Shaping the Cooperative: Role of Directors
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The Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative board of directors plays a key role in shaping the cooperative and its future.
SHAPING THE COOPERATIVE:
Role of Directors
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Alex Vournas
General Manager
Behind every cooperative, including Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC), a group is dedicated to guiding its strategic direction, ensuring its
financial stability and serving the best interests of its members. You may better know this group as the board of directors.
As the governing body, your board plays a key role in shaping the cooperative and its future. I’d like to share some of the essential functions of the board and how the directors’ expertise and leadership contribute to your cooperative’s success.
Planning and Vision
One of the board’s top responsibilities is to work alongside management to develop and refine the cooperative’s strategic plan. By setting long-term goals with a clear vision for the cooperative’s future, the board provides direction for management and help ensure we stay focused on our mission.
Working together, we can make informed decisions that are aligned with our values and responsive to the increasing demand of our members.
Governance and Guidance
The board of directors is responsible for creating and periodically updating the policies that guide MWEC’s operations and decision-making. These policies address a broad range of areas, including financial management, programs and rates. Through thoughtful development and a regular review process, the board helps ensure the cooperative remains compliant, transparent and accountable for the benefit of its members.
As the governing body, your board plays a key role in shaping the cooperative and its future.
Financial Management
Maintaining the financial strength and long-term sustainability of the cooperative is a critical function of the board. Through careful financial oversight and sound stewardship, the board helps protect the cooperative’s future and its ability to deliver affordable, reliable electricity.
Working closely with management, the board reviews financial performance, manages risk and supports strategic investments that strengthen infrastructure, improve reliability and enhance services for members.
Member Advocacy
Member representation is the foundation of the electric cooperative model. Directors are elected by the members and serve as a link between the cooperative and our members. MWEC members are represented by nine directors elected from three districts (West, Central, and East) within our service area.
Each district is further divided into three precincts, resulting in a total of nine precincts, providing balanced representation for our members. As the voice of the membership, the board of directors advocates for member interests and helps ensure concerns are heard and addressed.
Through active engagement with members, participation in community events and ongoing outreach, the board helps promote transparency, involvement and open communication.
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MWEC DIRECTORS
Front, L to R: Bob Grant, Blaine Jorgenson, Kyle DeTienne, and Garrett Lalim.
Back, L to R: Brion Norby, Jennifer Wade, Pete Peterson, and Ryan Wilhelmi.
Not Pictured: Geri Bratvold.
Leadership and Direction
The board offers leadership and direction to MWEC’s management, offering mentorship and support that helps navigate challenges, pursue opportunities and deliver value to members. Board members also participate in ongoing education and training to stay informed about developments in the electric utility industry, strengthen their governance skills and deepen their understanding of the cooperative principles and business model.
We are grateful for the commitment and contributions of our directors. Their leadership, strategic guidance and commitment to both the cooperative and its members have been essential to our continued success and longevity. Together, we remain focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of our members and the communities we serve.