Trustee Terry Hobbs Receives NRECA Gold Renewal

WESTERN COOPERATIVE ELECTRIC TRUSTEE TERRY HOBBS EARNS DIRECTOR GOLD RENEWAL CERTIFICATE
WaKeeney, KS – May 18, 2026, –Western Cooperative Electric proudly announces that Trustee Terry Hobbs has received the Director Gold Renewal Certificate (DGR) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
The Director Gold credential recognizes electric cooperative board members who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuing education and professional development. The renewal designation is awarded to directors who continue to expand their knowledge of the electric utility industry, cooperative governance, and emerging issues that impact electric cooperatives and the members they serve.
Hobbs has served on the Western Cooperative Electric Board since 1993 and currently serves as vice president. In addition to his role at Western, he represents the cooperative on the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Board and the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Board. A lifelong farmer and rancher, Hobbs brings a deep-rooted perspective to his leadership, with family ties to Graham and Trego County land dating back to 1887. He is a strong advocate for employee safety, competitive rates, and technological advancement, and is also known for authoring the monthly “Talkin, Tootin & Tailgatin” column in Kansas Country Living.
The Director Gold program is designed for cooperative directors who strive to stay informed and effective in their leadership roles. By maintaining this credential, recipients reinforce their status as part of a distinguished group of experienced and well-educated cooperative leaders dedicated to the long-term success of their organizations.
“Continuing education is an important part of strong cooperative leadership,” Western Cooperative Electric CEO/GM Nolan Numrich said. “Trustees who actively pursue learning opportunities help ensure that our cooperative remains well-governed and prepared to meet the evolving needs of our membership.”
Hobbs also emphasized the value of staying engaged in an evolving industry. “Out here, you learn pretty quick that standing still isn’t an option—whether it’s on the farm or in the energy business,” Hobbs said. “If we’re going to serve our members well, we’ve got to keep learning, keep adapting, and maybe even enjoy the ride a little along the way.”
Western Cooperative Electric congratulates Hobbs on achieving the Director Gold Renewal Certificate and applauds his dedication to continuing education and his ongoing commitment to serving the members of Western Cooperative Electric.