Ryan Wehri, NWEC Board of Trustees Vice Chairman, recently received the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) and the Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

An ever-changing business environment has imposed new demands on electric cooperative trustees, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a solid knowledge of the cooperative principles and business model. NWEC has a commitment to work through Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and NRECA to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of their electric cooperative members.

The NRECA BLC recognizes individuals who continue their professional development after becoming a Credentialed Cooperative Director. Wehri earned his CCD in 2024. Trustees who have attained the BLC have completed 10 credits in advanced, issues-oriented courses.

The DGC recognizes trustees who have already earned their CCD and BLC and who wish to learn throughout their service on the board.

“The Director Gold certificate is geared toward trustees who are committed to continuing their education beyond CCD and BLC and who desire a tangible credential that reinforces their stature as part of an experienced and educated group of directors,” says Kim Shoup, NWEC Board of Trustees Chairman. “Director Gold also demonstrates to co-op members those trustees’ ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability,” he says.

For a trustee to earn the DGC, they must have already earned the CCD and BLC and earn three additional credits from the BLC series of courses. Unlike the CCD and BLC certificates, DGC includes a continuing education requirement which calls for trustees to earn their credits of approved course work and/or conferences every two year to maintain their DG status.

Congratulations, Ryan! Thank your for your continued commitment to the NWEC members.