Like other electric co-ops, South Plains Electric Cooperative is guided by an elected board of directors that represents its members when making important decisions. Being a member of the Co-op’s board is an important and highly responsible position in the community, and directors invest a considerable amount of time and energy in overseeing the Cooperative business.
A director’s decisions affect issues such as service rates, rights-of-way and capital credits, as well as strategic planning, financials and work plans. The post requires savvy, selfless people who understand their local community’s needs and work to represent the members’ best interests.
Education and training is one of our Cooperative Principles, and electric co-op boards benefit from access to a variety of training and certification resources. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association offers training for directors to achieve national benchmarks such as Credentialed Cooperative Director or Board Leadership certifications. Through these programs, directors gain substantial knowledge on topics such as the electric industry, technology, governance, risk management, rate-setting and policy development. Providing industry-specific training for all board members provides continuity and a depth of knowledge necessary for overseeing the Cooperative business.
Rynn Truett, from Idalou, graduated from Idalou High School and Texas Tech University with a Bachelors of Science in human sciences. He is semi-retired after farming for 38 years. Rynn is married to Jane and they have two grown sons. Rynn has served on the South Plains Electric Cooperative board for six years and is a Credentialed Cooperative Director as certified by NRECA. He has also served on the Cooperative Member Services Committee, the High Plains Underground Water District Board and the Idalou School Board. He has also served on committees for the High Plains Underground Water District, the F.S.A. County Committee, Lubbock County Farm Bureau and the Idalou Stock Show Committee. The Truetts are members of First Baptist Church of Idalou.
Bobby Richey, from Wolfforth, is a Seminole High School graduate. He has been farming in the Wolfforth area since 1960. Bobby is married to Anne. He has served on the South Plains Electric Cooperative Board for 39 years. He served as assistant secretary-treasurer for 28 years, as secretary-treasurer for six years and as president for two years. In addition to his Co-op service, Bobby served on the Frenship School Board for 13 years and was a member of the Lubbock Police Advisory Board. He was also an officer for the Young Farmers organization for two years.The Richeys are members of First United Methodist Church in Wolfforth.
R.D. McCallister, from Acuff, is a Roosevelt High School graduate and attended Texas Tech University. He is retired after farming for 52 years and selling insurance for 32 years, though he still works part time for Germania Insurance. R.D. is married to LaHonda and they have three children. R.D. has served on the South Plains Electric Cooperative Board for 52 years. He has 48 years of service as either president or vice president of the board and is a Credentialed Cooperative Director as certified by NRECA. Additionally, R.D. served on the Acuff Co-op Gin Board and the Farmers Co-op Compress Board. The McCallisters are members of Canyon United Methodist Church where he serves as chairman of finance.
Brent Whitaker, from Childress, graduated from Motley County High School and attended South Plains College. He is the owner/operator of Brent Whitaker Drilling. Brent is married to Teresa and they have two sons. Brent has served on the South Plains Electric Cooperative Board for one year. In addition to his Co-op service, Brent also farms, ranches, serves as vice president of the Gateway Groundwater Conservation District and served two years with the Motley County Soil and Water Conservation District. The Whitakers are members of the Childress Church of Christ.
