Strong cooperatives start with informed, engaged leadership. Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) supports continuing education for cooperative directors, helping board members strengthen their knowledge of governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, industry issues, and the cooperative business model.
Through National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), directors can access courses, conferences, and other learning opportunities designed for every stage of board service.
NRECA Director Certificate Programs
NRECA’s Director Education Program provides a progressive path for directors to build their knowledge and leadership skills:
- Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD): The foundation of NRECA’s director education program, CCD consists of 5 courses covering essential governance skills, director responsibilities, the electric business, strategic planning, and financial decision-making.
- Board Leadership Certificate (BLC): Building on the CCD, the BLC allows directors to explore more advanced governance and industry topics. Directors earn the certificate by completing the CCD and 10 credits from NRECA’s selection of BLC courses.
- Director Gold Credential: Director Gold recognizes directors who continue their education beyond the CCD and BLC and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to effective cooperative leadership.