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Dwayne Long, vice president of information technology for Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and EMPOWER Broadband, recently completed the Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program, one of the most exclusive management development programs in the nation for electric cooperatives.

The series of workshops, offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, guides participants through all facets of the electric utility industry, including the many changes occurring around the nation. Long is one of only a few electric utility management staff across the country that will graduate from the Management Internship Program this year.

MIP participants go through three 10-day sessions designed to challenge and educate in new, innovative management techniques. Participants leave with a better understanding of what members expect from their local electric cooperative and how to accurately position the organization to better meet those needs.

By also covering the unique principles that govern the operations of electric cooperatives, the program helps the cooperative analyze other business ventures, such as MECs broadband subsidiary, EMPOWER Broadband.

Only rural electric cooperative CEOs and top-level management participate in the program. This allows great emphasis of study on management and leadership challenges and the aspects of consumer-ownership that cooperatives enjoy. Participants focus on member value as part of day-to-day decision making.

“We commend Dwayne for his dedication and commitment to the growth and success of the Cooperative,” said MEC President and CEO Casey Logan. “There are changes on the horizon in the energy sector, and advances are made in technology every day. Electric cooperatives need to remain adaptable. By providing learning and development opportunities for our employees we can stay abreast of the latest advancements, ensuring continued affordable and reliable electric service as well as improving the quality of life for our Members and the communities we serve.