Each members of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) board of directors has earned the Director Gold credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). To earn the credential, electric cooperative directors must complete a variety of courses on topics ranging from finance to technology and then commit to a continuing education requirement throughout their service on the cooperative’s board.

Nationally, 22% of co-op directors are Director Gold certified. In North Carolina, 47% of directors are Director Gold certified. In July, CCEC's board of directors became one of a select few cooperative boards to be entirely Director Gold certified.  

"Education is the backbone of the electric cooperative program," said Pat Mangan, NRECA senior director of governance education. "It starts with directors understanding their roles and responsibilities as well as understanding the uniqueness, strengths and opportunities inherent in the cooperative business model."

Today’s electric utility environment imposes new demands on electric cooperative directors, particularly for increased knowledge of ongoing changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a working knowledge of the cooperative business principles. CCEC commits to work through NRECA to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of cooperative members.

"Continuing education is essential for directors to keep up-to-date on issues facing cooperatives and our industry, especially during a time of concern over grid reliability, cybersecurity, and the transition away from carbon-based fuels," said Dee Irby, CCEC District 1 Director. "The Director Gold commitment proves that you are interested in going the extra mile to do your best on the members' behalf."