CONINE GRADUATES FROM MIP

ALLI CONINE, director of member services and corporate communications, completed an intensive program in electric utility management with the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

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. The program guides participants through all facets of the electric utility industry, including the many changes occurring around the nation.

Conine is one of only a few electric management staff to graduate from MIP this year and joins three additional members of WEC’s executive staff with this credential.

MIP participants undergo three 10-day sessions designed to challenge and educate in new, innovative management techniques. Participants leave with a better understanding of what consumers want and how to ensure they get it.
The program also covers the unique principles governing electric cooperatives and analyzes other business ventures to enhance the core organization.

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

STANSBURY EARNS DIRECTOR GOLD

DUSTIN STANSBURY, District 7 trustee, earned a Director Gold Credential, the highest level of board leadership education avail-able from NRECA. Stansbury joins two additional members of the WEC Board of Trustees (Mark Arnold from District 7 and Stacey Addison-Howland from District 4) in earning this credential.

Director education is offered in three parts, taken in progression from fundamental to advanced-level coursework. The Director Gold credential recognizes trustees and other board directors who are committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership certificates, and who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability, according to NRECA.

HISS RETIRES

BOB HISS, District 6, has resigned from the WEC Board of Trustees, effective Sept. 30.

Hiss was first elected in 2008 shortly after the Aquila acquisition that brought Great Bend into WEC’s service territory. He has spent decades in the financial investment and management industry.

"It has been a rewarding 15 years for me to serve and a privilege that I will always remember,” Hiss said. “The dedication and quality of the WEC management team along with the employees and trustees is something to be proud of. I want to thank everyone for the support and friendship over the years."

Bruce W. Mueller, CEO/general manager, said Hiss will be missed.

“(Hiss) has been an excellent trustee over the last 12.5 years that I have had the privilege to lead the WEC team,” Mueller added.

The WEC Board may consider a temporary appointment to replace Hiss until the election is held at WEC's Annual Meeting in April 2025.