Medina Electric Cooperative employees have completed an intensive program in electric utility management with the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In 2016, Medina EC supported staff development by sending them to this training program. As of June 2019, five employees graduated from the program. Congratulations to: Emily Tankersley, accounting supervisor; Doug Kindred, manager of information technology; Leonard Geyer, north region line superintendent; Joel Gonzales, engineering equipment supervisor; and Katie Haby, member relations and communications supervisor.
The Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program (MIP) is a series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association 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.
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 consumers want and how to ensure they get it. By covering the unique principles that govern the operations of electric cooperatives like Medina EC, the program helps the co-op analyze other business initiatives it may want to enter as well as enhancing the core organization.
“Medina Electric Cooperative is invested in our staff and the future of the cooperative. Completing MIP allows greater emphasis of study on management challenges and the aspects of consumer-ownership that cooperatives enjoy. I am extremely proud of our employees who have completed this challenging program and continue to focus on member value as part of day-to-day decision making,” said Mark Rollans of the recent graduates.
Rural electric cooperative CEOs, top level management and emerging leaders participate in the program. The most recent graduates join other Medina EC employees who’ve also graduated from MIP: Mark Rollans, CEO; Patti Taylor, manager of human resources; and Bobby Waid, manager of special projects.
