*Nominating Committee’s top choice for 2026 Board of Director Candidate for this District

jim britt

Gainesville

Brief Bio

I am a lifelong resident of Gainesville, MO and currently serve as one of the Ozark County representatives on the White River Valley Electric Cooperative Board of Directors. I am completing my first 3-yr term on the board, and am seeking re-election for a second term.

I retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 2024 after a serving 28 years as a State Trooper. Throughout my career in law enforcement, I gained extensive experience working with the public, solving problems, and making decisions that serve the best interests of the community.

In addition to my service on the electric cooperative board, I served six years on the Gainesville R-5 School District Board of Education. I currently serve as the Eastern District Commissioner of Ozark County, where I oversee county budgets as well as supervise the road and bridge department. I also represent Ozark County by serving on the SCOCOG Waste Management board, as well as sitting on the board of directors for Ozark Action, Inc, a non-profit community action agency which serves over 117,000 residents in southern Missouri.

My experience in public service, budgeting, leadership, and community relations has prepared me to continue serving the members of White River Valley Electric Cooperative with integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to our community and membership.

Experience and Education

• High School Diploma from Gainesville High School
• Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Mineral Area College
• Awards & Honors:
  • N/A
• Community & Board Experience:
  • Served six years on Gainesville R-5 school district Board of Education.
  • Currently serve as County Commissioner for Ozark County.
  • Serve on SCOCOG Waste Management board.
  • Serve on the Board of Directors for Ozark Action, Inc.

qualifications

Jim has been a member of the Cooperative for 26 years, is not employed by any enterprise that competes with WRVEC, and is not related to anyone employed at the Cooperative. His experience in public service has provided him with strong leadership, budgeting, communication, and decision-making skills. As County Commissioner he oversees and approve budgets for all elected county offices. This role has given him extensive experience in financial oversight, responsible spending, and long-term planning. Jim has not received any campaign contributions.

QUESTIONS & Answers

Explain the Cooperative Difference

WRVEC is member-owned, rather than being owned by outside investors or shareholders. Therefore, the cooperative is guided by a board of directors made up of local members who are elected by the membership. This ensures that decisions made FOR the members, are made BY the members.

What are three critical issues you believe the Cooperative should focus on in the next few years?

First, we need to focus on maintaining reliable, affordable power for our members. We need to focus on retaining a strong and skilled workforce. And third, we need to successfully complete and support our fiber internet buildout to provide dependable broadband service for members and future growth.

Please share how often you have attended the Cooperative’s Annual Meeting, district membership appreciation days, and other Cooperative sponsored events and what you found most impactful about those experiences:

I regularly attend our Annual Meetings, member-appreciation days, and all other sponsored events whenever scheduling allows. The most impactful part of these experiences has been meeting cooperative members, hearing their prospectives, and gaining a deeper understanding of the cooperative’s operations, mission, and commitment to serving our communities.

What interests you most about serving on the board of directors?

Over the past three years on the Board, I have gained tremendous respect for the cooperative, its leadership, and employees. I value WRVEC’s dedication to providing reliable, affordable service to our members and look forward to continuing to contribute in meaningful ways to support our cooperative and community.

Are you familiar with the elements of the cooperative business model? Please share what you know about the model at this time:

The cooperative business model is based on being member-owned. Our members are not just customers, they have ownership in the cooperative. The cooperative is locally governed by a board of directors who are elected by the membership to make decisions that benefit the cooperative and the community it serves.

What knowledge and expertise would you bring to White River’s Board and the members?

I believe my career in law enforcement has given me experience focused on leadership, integrity, and community relations. As County Commissioner, I have gained experience overseeing budgets and financial responsibility. My service on multiple boards has provided valuable insight into governance, decision-making, and working collaboratively to serve our membership.

What is most important to the members of your district?

I believe the most important issue will always be maintaining reliable, affordable electric service! But a growing issue is continuing our broadband fiber service. Providing dependable internet access to rural communities is essential for communication, education, business, and future growth within the areas we serve.

As a director, how would you promote the co-op in your community and district?

As a director, I have always promoted the cooperative through my continued involvement in the community, strong relationships with members, and a commitment to integrity and service. I will continue to represent the cooperative, its leadership, and employees in a positive manner while supporting our mission to provide great service.

What makes you the ideal candidate?

My commitment to integrity, service, and responsible decision-making makes me a strong candidate. With experience in law enforcement, county government, and board leadership, I understand accountability, financial responsibility, and the importance of making decisions that best serve the cooperative and it’s membership both now and in the future.