What drew you to your current role as a member services representative? 

I was previously a first-grade teacher, and I was looking for a change. I was looking for a position where I knew my teaching skills could transfer easily, and when I heard about becoming an MSR, I knew it’d be a great position for me. I’m still able to go into elementary and high schools to educate students about electricity, safety, and co-ops. I also handle most of the communications at our co-op in my position. I was drawn to this because I had been the editor of my high school newspaper, so I knew I had some previous experience that would benefit me in this position. 

How did you learn about the position? 

My dad, Shane McMinn, used to work at Lyntegar before moving to Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, where he is the director of power delivery. When I was looking to leave the education field, my dad mentioned he knew a member services rep position was open at Lyntegar. He reached out to the then CEO, Greg Henley, and let him know I'd be applying. Since working at Lyntegar, I've run into Dad at one of our group Member Services forums, where he was doing a presentation. I love being able to see him once in a while at work! 

How has your background in elementary education translated to your current role? 

It’s translated surprisingly well! I coordinate a lot of our youth programs and community involvement activities, so my teaching background gives me a unique perspective when it comes to presenting information to kiddos.  

What has surprised you most about the job so far? 

I’ve found I enjoy cooking and baking! We cook for our board meetings six months out of the year, and I’ve enjoyed experimenting and making new recipes for our board.  

What do you like most about working for an electric co-op? 

I appreciate the relationships and the variety in my role—no two days are ever the same. Whether I’m out in the field taking photos, cooking lunch for a board meeting, creating content for social media, or visiting a school to teach kiddos about safety, there’s always something new and engaging to work on.  

Tell us a little about your experience as a chaperone with NRECA's Electric Cooperative Youth Tour?  

Experiencing Electric Cooperative Youth Tour firsthand has not only strengthened my ability to promote the trip to our membership but also gave me the opportunity to witness its impact on students who might not otherwise have access to an experience like this. While Youth Tour can be exhausting, it’s incredibly rewarding to see students connect with one another and build the social and life skills they’ll carry with them into college and the workplace. 

Have you learned anything recently that’s really stuck with you? 

I've learned to stay open-minded. Even if you’re in a role you’ve been in for a while, there’s always something new you can learn or a different way to approach things!  

You’re a self-proclaimed “Swiftie” and in the 0.03% of her listeners on Spotify. What about her music resonates with you? Have any specific lyrics that hold a special place in your heart? 

I’ve been a Swiftie since Taylor’s early music career. My grandparents bought me and all of my cousins tickets to see Taylor in Lubbock, Texas, at her Speak Now tour in 2011, and after seeing her stage presence, I never looked back. I really like how she doesn’t just stick to one genre of music, that’s she’s not afraid to change it up when she feels like it. There’s a Taylor Swift album for any season or any mood!  

Do you have any advice for other new co-op employees? 

Really lean into the Cooperative Principle “cooperation among cooperatives”. I’ve learned so much from friends at other co-ops that Lyntegar has benefited from. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Know someone who should be profiled? Contact Alexis Woodhouse.