How to Become a Northern Lights Director

NLI holds elections every May at the NLI annual meeting.  The terms for the seven districts are rotated and each director serves a three year term. To help you understand the process, information and some frequently asked questions are provided below. More detailed information is available in the Northern Lights Bylaws. In 2012, candidates for District 2 and 4 will be elected. Click here for election materials.

What is a Director?

A director is a member whose primary residence is in the district he or she represents. A director should be interested in the NLI Cooperative, the utility industry, and his or her community. A director should be capable of independent thought, analysis, and decision making in a group environment. Openness to change is an attribute of an ideal director.

What does a Director do?

Directors of NLI have many of the same duties and responsibilities as officers of any corporation. Their primary duties are setting policies and rates, contractual considerations, and strategic planning. Directors also represent the Cooperative at associated groups and organizations, and may be asked to serve on related committees.

Do Directors Travel?

In addition to regular monthly board meetings, directors may be required to attend special board meetings as well as state, regional, and national meetings concerning the electric utility industry. Directors are encouraged to enroll in education classes and to become credentialed by the national organization. Attendance at these classes may require travel.

Are Directors Paid?

The directors are not paid a salary. They receive a per diem for attendance at the monthly board meetings, mileage, and expenses for Cooperative related travel, and coverage under the Cooperative’s group insurance plan.

How much time is required of a Director?

Regular and special board meetings each require approximately five to eight hours.  Educational, national and regional meetings vary in length from one to five days. Because directors make decisions that affect members of the Cooperative, they are expected to spend time reading publications related to the electric industry. It is extremely important that they make these decisions with the best possible information and knowledge.

Who is eligible to become a Director?

To be eligible you must:

  • have your primary residence within the geographic district of the position for which you are running
  • be an NLI member in good standing as outlined in NLI Policy 1008
  • not be employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electricity or supplies to the Cooperative

If you have other questions about which district you are in, how the election process works, or if you are interested in attending our monthly board meeting, please call or email Leslie Maxey at 208-255-7197.