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The nationwide Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) is excited to announce the appointment of its board of directors and new board president for the 2024-2025 term. This leadership team brings a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to guide the organization through its upcoming year of providing educational and networking opportunities for professional communicators in the cooperative business style.

Cliff Dolbeare from GROWMARK, Inc., Bloomington, Ill., has been named the board president, succeeding Michelle Geans from Baldwin EMC, Summerdale, Ala. With a distinguished career in agricultural-cooperative communication, Dolbeare has been an involved and active supporter of CCA for many years. His strategic vision and commitment to CCA’s goals are expected to drive impactful progress during his tenure.

Joining Dolbeare on the board is an experienced group of cooperative professionals:

• Dori Lichty, CentralStar Cooperative, Waupun, Wis., vice president;
• Kelly Jimenez, Carroll EMC, Carrollton, Ga., secretary/treasurer;
• Adam Buckallew, MFA Oil Company, Columbia, Mo.;
• Jennie Lacey, Roberta, Ga.;
• Anne Baehnman, URUS Group LP, Madison, Wis.;
• Brianna Wall, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Norman, Okla.;
• Hayley Leatherwood, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, Oklahoma City, Okla.; and
• Mallory Shoemaker, Central Valley Ag Cooperative, Beloit, Kan.

This diverse board is composed of leaders from various sectors, including agricultural-supply, livestock-genetics, milk-testing, and electric cooperatives, reflecting CCA's purpose of providing professional-development opportunities for those dedicated to cooperative communication. Each member brings unique expertise and a shared passion for CCA’s focus.

“My fellow board members and I are honored to build on the incredible work that has already been accomplished,” said Dolbeare. “We’re eager to continue improving our organization to better serve the members who rely on us for both in-person and virtual professional development and networking.”

CCA exists to improve the effectiveness of all cooperative communicators; advance professional standards; and exchange facts, research, techniques, and opinions among cooperative communicators. Board members for the 2024-2025 business year, and their home cooperatives: Cliff Dolbeare, president, GROWMARK, Inc., Bloomington, Ill.; Dori Lichty, vice president, CentralStar Cooperative, Waupun, Wis.; Kelly Jimenez, secretary-treasurer, Carroll EMC, Carrollton, Ga.; Adam Buckallew, MFA Oil Company, Columbia, Mo.; Jennie Lacey, Roberta, Ga.; Anne Baehnman, URUS Group LP, Madison, Wis.; Brianna Wall, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Norman, Okla.; Hayley Leatherwood, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Mallory Shoemaker, Central Valley Ag Cooperative, Beloit, Kan. Visit www.communicators.coop for more information.