Getting to Know Your Board Members: Tracy Hudspeth
Posted on June 27th, 2022
From Your Board Chairman Rick Love
Your Board of Directors at the co-op has a responsibility to guide how the money and assets are used to fulfill the cooperative’s mission – improving quality of life. We review guidelines, set policies and keep a close watch on the financial position to determine the best course for the cooperative. We meet monthly, but also have additional meetings throughout the month. This can range from co-op committee meetings to statewide cooperative meetings, which include all 17 cooperatives in Arkansas. We also attend regional and national conferences to stay in tune with legislation, new technologies and other issues facing the electric industry.
During our monthly board meeting, our Vice Chairman Tracy Hudspeth sits to my left. Since 2014, he has represented our members in the Heber Springs district.
Tracy takes his job very seriously. Armed with his degree in accounting from the University of Central Arkansas and an almost 30-year career with Farm Bureau Insurance (15 years as agency manager for Cleburne County) his background is an asset to the board and you – our members. He’s very proactive when talking to the membership about the cooperative and the business at hand.
With the deployment of Connect2First, First Electric’s fiber subsidiary, our role has expanded to include fiber responsibilities as well. Hudspeth describes his view on both organizations and their impact: “While we strive as a board to provide affordable and reliable energy, we also look for new ways to serve our members. The most recent project is our broadband expansion. This is an exciting opportunity for our members – especially those in rural areas. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a voice for the members of the Heber Springs district and look forward to continuing to serve our area.”
During his tenure, he has completed his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and is working toward a Board Leadership Certificate. He plans to continue his education through courses provided by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) at state and national levels.
In his free time (which is hard to find), he is involved with Heber Springs youth athletics and the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Sammie, attend New Life Church in Heber Springs with their children, Garrett and Addison.
Tracy’s door is always open! Feel free to reach out to him – he’s here to answer your questions about the co-op. On behalf of the board, please enjoy a safe and happy summer.
Sincerely,
Rick Love