Co-Founding Principal of Firm Speaks on Board Governance at NRECA Regional Meeting in Texas

Parish & Wright, PLLC, Co-founding Principal John T. Wright recently participated in a panel discussion at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Regional Meeting in San Antonio, Oct. 25, 2019.

Wright joined Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative Director Curtis Nolan and NRECA Governance Education Director Pat Mangan on a panel discussion, “Director Compensation Under Scrutiny.”

The panel discussed best practices, policy setting, and challenges faced by directors of America’s rural electric cooperatives. Electric cooperatives serve the power needs of rural America and were not only founded by the members they serve in the 1930s, but they also continue to be governed by their consumers through a board of elected directors.

The NRECA Regional Meeting discussion dove into issues surrounding the governance of those electric cooperative boards. As the nation’s co-ops continue to see a time of dramatic change, it has become a topic that often misses the full extent of the responsibilities and time commitments related to serving in such roles.

“It’s ultimately their [board members] responsibility to lead the co-op,” Wright said. “It’s vital to keep up with expenses, time, and contributions to the boards in which they represent, guaranteeing everything is carefully reviewed and documented.”

Wright, and the collective Parish & Wright counsel, represent several electric cooperatives across the State of Texas, and shared a few of the best practices the firm encourages board members to instate and carry out.

“It’s about keeping one another honest and ensuring good people are serving the co-op well,” Wright said about the policies they help put into place. “The directors’ time is valuable as well as the co-op’s resources, so there has to be the right tools to enforce those policies, ensure accountability and oversight amongst their peers.”

Wright continued to share that these functions of the board extend beyond policy-setting. Seeking training and continuing education opportunities as well as setting qualifications for serving on that board is an important obligation and responsibility—practices that have sustained the industry for more than eight decades.

The NRECA Regional Meetings bring together electric cooperative CEOs, directors, voting delegates, and key staff to engage with industry experts and colleagues who share common issues.

Parish & Wright brings more than 30 years of combined experience representing business entities across the State of Texas. The team prides itself on being advocates for rural interests, small businesses, and various types of nonprofit organizations.