Behind every reliable outage response at Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC), every smoothly operating substation, and every moment our system communicates seamlessly - there is a complex fiber backbone making it possible. And behind that backbone is Brian Moss, one of UEC’s network administrator’s and one of the many people who help keep operations connected.
Brian joined UEC three years ago, bringing with him 24 years of telecommunications experience from his time at CenturyLink. It was there that he first began working with fiber, sparking an interest that eventually aligned perfectly with UEC’s growing communications needs. When the opportunity arose to join the cooperative, Brian made the leap.
In his role, Brian designs, installs, and maintains UEC’s fiber backbone. This network is essential to system protection between substations and allows Operations to monitor and manage the electric system remotely. It’s work most people never see, but it’s foundational to keeping power flowing safely and reliably to our members.
His responsibilities are wide-ranging: maintaining fiber performance, mapping and documenting every strand, coordinating with contractors, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. “Knowing where every strand is - that’s a big part of the job,” Brian said. His knowledge and meticulous approach ensure that even the most complex fiber routes are accounted for.
Brian consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism and a strong work ethic. As Jakob Stoll, UEC’s engineer II, shared:
“He excels at coordinating tasks efficiently and works seamlessly with the team, always contributing to a positive and productive environment.”
While each morning starts with a list of priorities, Brian says no two days are ever the same. From answering questions and supporting contractors to solving connection challenges in the field, he’s constantly on the move.
For Brian, the most rewarding moments come when a major project comes together - when the planning, coordination, and teamwork culminate in a clean, successful activation. “It’s always fun to see when you turn on the substation and it all works,” he said.
Beyond his technical expertise, Brian is known across UEC as a genuinely kind, hard-working teammate - someone who brings humility to his work and treats everyone with respect. His positive attitude and steady presence make him not only a trusted expert, but also a valued coworker.
Brian’s dedication and technical skill keep UEC connected behind the scenes - ensuring that when our teams need information, communication, or system visibility, the fiber network is there to deliver. His work may be largely unseen, but its impact is felt across the cooperative and throughout the communities we serve.