North Central Electric Cooperative (NCE) is celebrating multiple employees’ recent graduation from the Leadership Edge program. Leadership Edge is hosted by Ohio's Electric Cooperatives and aims to hone the skills of the next generation of electric cooperative leaders. Congratulations to Line Foremen Ron Foos Curt Reiter!

“Leadership Edge was a good experience. You learn a lot of different ways to communicate with your crew,” says Foos. “They have us complete the DISC assessment and through that assessment you learn more about yourself and that helps you to better communicate and lead others.”

The one-year Cooperative Leadership Edge program is hosted by NCE'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.

“The program itself wasn’t what I expected because a lot of it has to do with self-assessments and growing yourself to be a better leader for those around you,” says Reiter. “Nonverbal communication and reading people’s body language plays a huge role in being a leader and communicating effectively.”

Reiter was also selected as one of the top 10 presenters to share their final capstone projects at the graduation event held in Columbus in December.

As one of the Seven Cooperative Principles, NCE continually invests in training and development with the goal of serving its members with top talent and skills.

NCE President/CEO Ed VanHoose expressed, “Our role extends beyond supplying electricity; we aim to enhance the quality of life, work, and service in our communities. This includes prioritizing our employees’ growth and development. Ron and Curt’s achievements make us proud, and we are delighted to have them as part of our team.”