SEC’s Ron White (L) recently completed the Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program at the University of Wisconsin, offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He is pictured with Gary Pfann, NRECA Director of Executive and Staff Education.

CREWE, Va – Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) V.P. of Member and Public Relations Ron White has completed an intensive program in electric utility management with the University of Wisconsin.

The Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program (MIP) is a series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin. The program guides participants through all facets of the electric utility industry, including the many changes occurring around the nation.

White is one of only a few electric utility employees across the country that will graduate from the program this year.

MIP participants go through three 10-day sessions designed to challenge and educate participants in new, innovative management techniques. Participants leave with a better understanding of what members want and how to ensure they get it.

By also covering the unique principles that govern the operations of electric cooperatives, the program helps the co-op analyze other business ventures it may want to enter as well as enhancing the core organization.

Only rural electric cooperative CEOs and top-level management participate in the program. This allows greater emphasis of study on management challenges and the aspects of member-ownership that cooperatives enjoy. Participants learn to focus on member value as part of day-to-day decision making.

White has completed one of the most exclusive educational programs in the nation for electric cooperative management.

Southside Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative that serves more than 55,000 homes and businesses in portions of 18 counties in central and southern Virginia. Headquartered in Crewe, SEC has district offices in Altavista, Crewe, Dinwiddie and Powhatan. For more information,
visit www.sec.coop.