Board Member Spotlight
Cindy Hokeness is currently in her 11th year as a member of the Nobles Cooperative Electric Board of Directors. Elected in 2013, she represents District 5, which encompasses the southwestern part of Nobles County.
Cindy and her husband, Dave, established their farm between Rushmore and Adrian in 1987. With deep agricultural roots, having grown up on a farm south of Mankato, Cindy brings a valuable perspective to the board. Her firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities that local farmers face significantly influences her decision-making.
Cindy's dedication to service goes well beyond her work with the cooperative.
She actively volunteers at her church and participates in numerous community
initiatives, organizing events and fundraisers. "I take pleasure in supporting organizations that create new and improved opportunities for community members, particularly the youth," she shares.
Cindy's professional background has been an asset to the team of directors. She studied business administration and science at Minnesota State Mankato, and she has worked in companies of varying sizes, from two to 350 employees. Her unique background has proven to be invaluable in her role as secretary/treasurer of the board for the past three years.
“Coming onto the board has been a real shift in perspective of running a regular business. Unlike a traditional business, our focus isn't solely on the bottom line. Every decision we make is about what's best for our members long-term,” says Cindy. She continues, “in our monthly meetings, we're not just thinking about next week or next month or even next year, but we make decisions about projects and contracts that could impact our members for the next 40 years. It really makes it challenging with the long-term perspective we take in serving our members”.
Throughout her tenure, she has completed both the Credentialed Cooperative Director and the Board Leadership Certificate coursework, showcasing her commitment to continuous education and professional growth within the cooperative. She expresses, "Being a member of the Nobles Cooperative Electric team has been a fantastic experience, and I have enjoyed working alongside individuals throughout the state and electric industry in general.
“Being on the Nobles Cooperative Electric Board has been a pleasant challenge. The board is involved in many aspects, from understanding industry challenges related to decarbonization to addressing safety, meeting member needs and making a wide range of financial decisions. Interestingly, the one responsibility I would have preferred to avoid—advocating with our state and federal legislators—has turned out to be quite rewarding,” says Cindy.
Cindy shares, “I would encourage anyone considering a run for any board to take that bold step. It’s not just rewarding and fulfilling; it also provides an opportunity to connect with a larger community.”
