Accountant graduates from statewide leadership program

NEW LONDON — Cindy Thompson, an accountant for Firelands Electric Cooperative, recently graduated from a statewide program aiming to hone the skills of the next generation of electric cooperative leaders. The year-long Cooperative Leadership Edge program was hosted by Firelands Electric's statewide association, Ohio's Electric Cooperatives, and required six courses, two assessments and a capstone project. Coursework focused on coaching employees, managing conflict, adapting communication approaches, carrying out difficult conversations and delivering results. "The Cooperative Leadership Edge program has allowed me to learn and embrace new skills and identify the importance of networking and problem solving with a group of colleagues," Thompson said. "The program gave me an opportunity to share insights and receive valuable mentorship." Thompson has been with Firelands Electric Cooperative since August 1999. She began as a billing representative, advancing to an accounting clerk position in 2010. She was promoted to her current position in 2020. Thompson administers payroll duties and payroll taxes for the cooperative, while also being responsible for processing monthly work orders and material charge-outs. Thompson also oversees the cooperative's capital credit process and estate retirements. In addition to her many duties, she also provides direction over accounts payable and invoicing, serves as a backup when needed in the billing department and is a backup to the cooperative's director of finance and accounting. Working at Firelands Electric for over the past 24 years has given Thompson numerous opportunities to assist others. "I appreciate the opportunity and value the experience," Thompson said. "The Leadership Edge program reminded me that everybody can bring something to the table, as well as the importance of networking and building new relationships." Firelands Electric "invests in employee training and development with the goal of serving consumer members with top-rated talent and skills," according to a company statement. "We're not just an electricity provider. We're here to make our local communities an even better place to live and work," company general manager Dan McNaull said. "Cindy is a very dedicated and a respected part of the cooperative family who often goes the extra mile to serve the members. She does excellent work in her accounting role and is always striving for perfection in everything she does. We're really proud of Cindy for her recent Leadership Edge success." Thompson and her husband, Chuck, live in the Norwalk area and have three grown children. In addition to family and church activities, she enjoys gardening and doing crafts in her spare time. She and her husband take pleasure in spending quality time with their nine grandchildren and attending their numerous activities. Firelands Electric, A Touchstone Energy cooperative, is a member-owned, nonprofit electric utility serving more than 9,200 homes and businesses in rural areas of Ashland, Huron, Lorain and Richland counties that ranks among the highest energy utilities in the country for customer satisfaction.