Candidate Profile: Neal Crum

Neal Crum*

Ava, MO

*Nominating Committee’s top choice for 2024 Board of Director Candidate for this District

Brief Bio

My name is Neal Crum and my wife LeaAnn and I are native to the Ozarks with our family roots running deep into these hills. I am a graduate of Forsyth High School where both my parents also went to school. We live on the farm that my wife’s family homesteaded in Douglas County generations ago where we have raised our family and keep a herd of beef of cattle. Since 2001 I have served Sandy GB Church as the pastor where I have come to love living life with the people of our community. It is in this desire to serve our community that I would like to be given the opportunity to continue to serve the members of WRVEC. Over the past 6 years of being on the Board at White River I have learned much about the electric business both locally and on a national level. Many hours have been spent in class rooms receiving certificates as a Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership. All of these hours of training have enabled me to better serve our members. The greatest lessons that I have learned is about the people of White River, from its members to its linemen, those that answer the phones and so many other positions…the people are what make this a great Cooperative to be a part of. Many exciting things are happening at WRVEC such as the fiber to the home project through our new tech company Connect, and I hope to continue to be a part of projects like this to better serve our communities. If you would like to know about who family and I are feel free to visit us on Facebook @ Neal Crum.

Experience and Education

• High School Diploma: Forsyth
• Bachelor’s Degree: Neal will complete his Bachelor’s Degree later this year at Oakland City University of Indiana.
• Awards & Honors:
  • Credentialed Cooperative Directory Certificate
  • Board Leadership Certificate
• Community & Board Experience:
  • I served on the Plainview School Board while my daughters were in school there, Options Pregnancy Clinic of Ava Board during the time that my wife was founding it, White River Youth Camp Board and many other positions for over 20 years, Home Missions of the Ozark Board, White River Association of General Baptists and I have served 6 years on the Board for WRVEC and I hope to serve many more.

qualifications

• Neal has been a member of the Cooperative for 25 Years.
• Neal is not employed by any enterprise that competes with WRVEC.
• Neal is not related to anyone employed at the Cooperative.
• About his expertise, Neal says, “I have served on other boards, all of which were non-profit. My experience working with people helps building relationships in the board room and community. Time that I have already spent on this Board gives me the knowledge and training to better serve over the years to come.”
• Neal has not received any campaign contributions.

QUESTIONS & Answers

Explain the Cooperative Difference

It is the cooperation of a community of people coming together and working together putting the power of business in their own control, and in this case, to bring power to their homes.

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

Reliability of power to our homes in a challenging future.
Affordable power by being good stewards.
Staying abreast of a changing political environment as it affects our ability to produce power due to regulations while also staying up with the latest technologies to keep the power on.

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

Our communities and the people that make them.

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

We are member owned and operate as a not-for-profit basis. Directors are elected by the membership for the governance and we are guided by 7 core principles:
Voluntary Open Membership, Democratic control, member economic participation, Independence, Education and training, Cooperation among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community

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

The knowledge of knowing our communities and the families that live their give the ability to communicate with and be a voice for them at board table. The six years that I have already spent serving in this role means that I already have an understanding of our Cooperative.

What is most important to the members of your district?

Keeping the lights on.

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

I think just by being present. Today that can be in person out in the community or by sharing co-op information on social media and certainly by showing up at meetings and activities sponsored by the co-op. By being willing to listen to their questions and get an answer.

What makes you the ideal candidate?

I want what is best for our members, the people that I live with and interact with on a daily basis.