Learn more about previous winners of the J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award, which recognizes an electric cooperative or public power district chief executive officer/general manager who is committed to advancing communication at the cooperative and in the electric cooperative industry.
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2023: Jeff Wadsworth
Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association
Winning Entry Form
Read the News Story
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- Advocated for electric cooperatives through testimony at the state legislature and has advised the White House as a member of a committee focused on making solar energy available to low- and moderate-income families.
- Earned the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) Power Players Electric Cooperative Utility of the Year award in 2018.
- Was named one our industry’s top innovators by Public Utilities Fortnightly magazine in 2020.
- Lead crisis communication efforts in response to Cameron Peak fire, earning over 81 million impressions across various media platforms and national and local news coverage.
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2022: Chris Jones
Middle Tennessee Electric Association
Winning Entry Form
Read the News Story
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- Created a ‘Strategic Compass,’ a visual representation of MTE’s purpose, mission, team, member touchpoints, tactics and external perception and how these areas work together to advance the co-op in its overarching goal
- Re-branded and promoted MTE’s charitable foundation, helping to facilitate the distribution of over $10 million in grants to 500+ charitable organizations within their service area.
- Partnered with local broadband provider to make fiber and high-speed internet available to unserved and underserved areas.
- Championed the acquisition of Murfreesboro Electric Department, establishing MTE as the second-largest electric cooperative in the country.
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2021: Randy Smith
Dixie Electric Power
Association
Winning Entry Form
Read the News Story
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- Elevated communications from an event-planning function into a vital part of Dixie Electric’s planning and management processes.
- Implemented a crisis communications plan after Hurricane Katrina.
- Established and maintained relationships with media outlets.
- Enhanced traditional and social media.
- Increased outreach to members, especially young adults.
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Full List of J.C. Brown Award Winners:
- 2024: Darren Schauer, Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative, Gonzales, Texas
- 2023: Jeff Wadsworth, Poudre Valley REA, Fort Collins, Colo.
- 2022: Chris Jones, Middle Tennessee Electric, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- 2021: Randy Smith, Dixie Electric Power Assn., Laurel, Miss.
- 2020: Ted Case, Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Wilsonville, Ore.
- 2019: Duane Highley, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp., Little Rock, Ark.
- 2018: Patrick W. O’Loughlin, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, Columbus, Ohio
- 2017: Curtis Wynn, Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Ahoskie, N.C.
- 2016: Kent Farmer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Fredericksburg, Va.
- 2015: Doug Johnson, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp., Lenoir, N.C.
- 2014: Dan Blesi, Crawford Electric Cooperative, Bourbon, Mo.
- 2013: Michael D. Tirpak, Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Cambridge Springs, Pa.
- 2012: Michael Sims, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., Oxford, Ohio
- 2011: E.A. “Bucky” Jakins Jr., Baldwin County EMC, Summerdale, Ala.
- 2010: Bob Ray, Flint EMC, Warner Robins, Ga.
- 2009: Chris Hamon, White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Branson, Mo.
- 2008: Ray Beavers, United Cooperative Services, Cleburne, Texas
- 2007: Jim Duncan, Sumter Electric Cooperative, Sumterville, Fla.
- 2006: Martin Hillert Jr., Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, Friendship, Wis.
- 2005: Kyle Kuntz, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Livingston, Texas
- 2004: Brian Newton, Consolidated Electric Cooperative, Mount Gilead, Ohio
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See the Awards & Recognition page to learn about other communications awards programs.
