BY KENNY VANDENBERG
We’ve all heard the saying that when one door closes, another door opens. It certainly applies to my life as the door to cooperative service opened for me when I retired a while back. Thirteen years ago, I was asked to consider serving on the Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative board in Albia. As a lifelong resident of Monroe County, I thought it would be a great opportunity to serve my community and learn more about my local electric cooperative.
After serving on the local co-op board for several years, I had an opportunity to put my name on the ballot for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ (IAEC) board. I was eager to join the statewide board and expand my industry knowledge and working relationships with others, including our state and federal legislators. Formed in 1942, IAEC is the statewide trade association for Iowa’s electric cooperatives, and it provides several services to its member co-ops, including legislative representation, regulatory oversight, training and education services, safety programs, communications support, and advocacy.
Productive and proactive leadership
Serving on the IAEC board for more than five years, I was honored to take the helm as board president in December. I truly enjoy the camaraderie of working with my fellow statewide directors and the statewide staff. We are productive and proactive in dealing with the issues at hand. In the first half of 2024, the IAEC board will be focused on hiring our next executive vice president/general manager, as Chuck Soderberg plans to retire in July. Identifying the right executive to lead us into the future is one of the statewide board’s most important tasks.
This is an unprecedented time of change for the electric industry, and experienced leadership is crucial to successfully navigate the challenges ahead. I look forward to meeting with the directors and managers of Iowa’s electric cooperatives throughout the year to learn more about how the statewide association can support them in their mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity for their local member-owners.
Strengthening lines of collaboration
Additionally, I have been serving on the board of the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives for four years. I’d like to explore more ways for these two statewide cooperative associations to collaborate for the benefit of their members while promoting the cooperative business model.
If you had asked me several years ago what I’d be doing after retirement, I couldn’t have imagined that I would be serving in this 
capacity. But these leadership opportunities all started because I was willing to say yes to a local call to serve. I’m thankful for the family and friends who encouraged me along the way.
Here’s my advice for my fellow cooperative member-owners throughout Iowa: Don’t be afraid to answer the call to serve your local cooperative. Look for an open door in your local community and walk through it! Your next adventure awaits.
Kenny VandenBerg is the board president for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and a director at Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative.
