According to Article IV, Section 3 of the bylaws, “No person shall be eligible to become or remain a Trustee of the Cooperative who:

(a) is not a Member and bona fide resident of the district he or she represents in the area serviced or to be served by  the Cooperative; or

(b) is in any way employed by or financially  interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy, or supplies to the  Cooperative, or a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, fixtures, or supplies to the Members of the Cooperative; or

(c) is the incumbent of or candidate for an elected public office in connection with which a salary or compensation in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per annum is paid; or

(d) is an employee or former employee whose employment with the Cooperative was terminated less than three years prior to the date of the district meeting at which the Trustee election is held; or

(e) has been convicted of a felony; or

(f) is a close relative of any existing Trustee, other than an existing Trustee who will cease being a Trustee within one (1) year; or

(g) is an existing, or a close relative of an existing, non-trustee Cooperative Officer, employee, agent, or representative; or

(h) has not completed National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director certification within three years of his or her first meeting as a Trustee; or

(i) has been absent from three consecutive regular board meetings without board consent ; or

(j) breached the duty of care and loyalty to the cooperative.”

The bylaws of Central require members who wish to become candidates for the office of trustee of their district to complete and file a Notice of Candidacy form. The candidate must file the notice in person at Central’s headquarters during regular business hours between June 16-20, 2025. 

The trustee role is a time-consuming job with a steep and continuous learning curve. Being well-versed and concerned about the entire membership of the cooperative is vital. Knowledge of financial management, electrical engineering, land use, strategic planning, economics, communications, and environmental and business issues is helpful. Computer skills are a must.

Board members are trustees of the members’ interests. The board and staff determine the cooperative’s goals and financial plans to ensure Central meets its mission of providing safe, reliable power at the lowest cost while being environmentally responsible. Central’s board focuses on:   

• Short- and long-term financial and system planning
• Strategic planning and major projects
• Long-term vision and commitment to our communities

Certified Cooperative Trustee status from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is required, and NRECA Board Leadership status is recommended.

In addition to possibly 16 hours of board and committee meetings each month, a Trustee may spend 10 hours a week on Central and electric industry issues. Most time commitments occur during the work day. Service is more demanding for those who serve as officers of the board and other members of the board who represent Central on affiliated organization boards.

There is no salary or monthly stipend. Trustees receive reimbursement for actual expenses and a per diem for board-approved attendance at official board and committee meetings and other required meetings.

Contact Erin Talley, 405-533-4107. Read more about the role of trustees in the Central bylaws at mycentral.coop/bylaws.