URE Celebrates Graduates From Leader Ship Edge Program
Union Rural Electric Cooperative (URE) is celebrating 2 employees — Member Services Manager Barb Burns and Crew Leader Sam Bevis — who recently graduated from a statewide leadership development program designed to strengthen the skills of the cooperative workforce.
The 1-year Cooperative Leadership Edge program, hosted by URE’s trade association, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, included 6 courses, 2 assessments, and a capstone project. The program focused on developing essential leadership skills, such as coaching employees effectively, managing conflict, adapting communication styles, navigating difficult conversations, and delivering results.
“The Leadership Edge program was a great reminder that there is always a new perspective on how to approach managing my team,” Burns says. “Through engaging sessions and collaborative learning, we focused on communication styles and team leadership. With an emphasis on employee feedback, our entire Member Services team has already benefited and will be stronger moving forward.”
“Barb has served our members with excellence for 27 years, and she’s still willing to learn and improve,” says Anthony Smith, URE CEO. “Her willingness to invest in herself through Leadership Edge speaks volumes about how much she cares for her employees, our members, and URE. I’m proud of her commitment to growth and the example she’s set.”
Reflecting on the experience, Bevis says the program exceeded his expectations.
“At first, I wasn’t sure Leadership Edge was going to apply to my role in the field, but it ended up being incredibly valuable,” Bevis says. “I learned a lot about communication, handling difficult situations, and being more intentional as a leader. I appreciate URE for making this investment and trusting me to bring what I learned back to the crew.”
“Sam was already a skilled lineworker and dependable leader, and I appreciated how he embraced Leadership Edge,” Smith says. “I know he took away tools to help him communicate better with both employees and members. I’m proud of his drive to keep growing his skills for the good of his crew and our members.”
1 of the 7 Cooperative Principles is Education, Training, and Information. URE continually invests in professional development opportunities to ensure members are served by knowledgeable, well-trained employees.
“I’m incredibly proud of Barb and Sam for completing Leadership Edge,” Smith says. “Their willingness to step out of their comfort zones and invest in their leadership skills strengthens our cooperative and ultimately leads to better service for our members. When our people grow, URE grows stronger.”
Congratulations, Barb and Sam, on this achievement.