Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative employees Kathryn Grasz and Dan Gallatin are now graduates from a statewide program aiming to hone the skills of the next generation of electric cooperative leaders.

The one-year Cooperative Leadership Edge program is hosted by LMRE’s trade association, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, and requires six courses, two assessments and a capstone project. Coursework focuses on coaching employees, managing conflict, adapting communication approaches, carrying out difficult conversations, and delivering results.

“Leadership Edge gave me the tools to improve team dynamics and communication,” says Grasz, who serves as LMRE’s director of key accounts and member services and has been with the co-op since 2019.

Gallatin, who has been with the cooperative since 2007 and serves as a meter technician, notes that the program not only gave him insight into how to be a better leader and listener, but he also learned a lot about himself both personally and professionally.

LMRE invests in training and development with the goal of serving consumer-members with top talent and skills, says General Manager Ed VanHoose.

“We’re not just an electricity provider — we’re here to make this area an even better place to live, work and serve,” he says. “That means investing in our employees and making sure we’re providing the best possible community services. We’re really proud of both Kathryn and Dan for their accomplishments, and we’re pleased to have them on our staff.”