Trustees Tim Derck, John Saxton, and Bill Dowler have earned the prestigious Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. 

As the energy industry continues to evolve, today's electric cooperative trustees are called to stay ahead of new regulations, emerging technologies, and shifting governance expectations. That means building a deeper understanding of the electric utility business while strengthening leadership and cooperative governance skills. Paulding Putnam remains committed to supporting that growth through our statewide associations - Ohio's Electric Cooperatives and Indiana Electric Cooperatives - as well as through national programs offered by NRECA, all for the benefit of our members. 

The Director Gold Credential is awarded to trustees who have already completed both the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and who choose to continue expanding their expertise throughout their board service. 

"The Director Gold credential reflects a trustee's dedication to going beyond the foundational CCD and BLC programs," said Adam Schnipke, Paulding Putnam Board of Trustees Chairman. "It represents a commitment to lifelong learning and signals to our members that these are serious about strengthening their leadership skills and fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities at the highest level."

To earn the DGC, trustees must first complete the CCD and BLC programs and then obtain three additional credits from the BLC course series. Unlike the CCD and BLC certifications, the Director Gold Credential also requires ongoing continuing education every two years to maintain the designation. 

Congratulations to Trustees Derck, Saxton, and Dowler for their continued dedication to professional development and to serving the members of Paulding Putnam with excellence.