Behind every successful Board meeting, event and executive decision at Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) is careful coordination and steady support. Providing that behind-the scenes leadership is Lynda Kennedy, executive staff assistant, whose work helps keep the cooperative organized, connected and moving forward.
Kennedy joined UEC in 2003 and has built a career grounded in versatility and service. Before coming to UEC, she spent 23 years with Simplot, where she worked in lab operations, payroll and human resources, gaining experience across multiple disciplines. When she arrived at UEC, she began as a member service representative and held that role for seven years. She later transitioned into an engineering assistant position for five years before stepping into her current role as executive staff assistant in 2012.
Over the years, Kennedy’s role has continued to evolve as she has sought opportunities to grow within the cooperative.
Today, Kennedy provides direct support to UEC’s Board of Directors and executive staff. Her responsibilities include coordinating meetings, managing schedules, organizing staff and retirement events, and handling special projects that arise throughout the year. She also leads UEC’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser and the Christmas Express, both of which connect employees with the community in meaningful ways.
Her work requires constant organization and awareness of deadlines, along with the ability to adapt quickly when priorities shift. Kennedy said staying organized and using the resources around her allows her to keep projects moving and support others across the cooperative.
No two days look the same for Kennedy. From preparing executive materials to coordinating events and solving unexpected challenges, her role supports nearly every department at some point. Collaboration is key, and she relies on strong relationships across UEC to ensure work gets done efficiently.
One of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing how UEC lives out its cooperative principles. Kennedy said the cooperative prioritizes giving back and consistently demonstrates its commitment to the community.
Like many administrative and leadership support roles, the position comes with challenges. Learning new and constantly changing programs requires flexibility and focus, along with knowing who to lean on when questions arise.
After more than two decades with UEC, Kennedy remains motivated by staying engaged and supporting those around her. She encourages employees to listen, rely on their teams and take pride in the work they do.
“Lynda is truly behind the scenes keeping UEC running smoothly,” said Lisa McMeen, UEC’s vice president of administration. “She knows our employees, cares about them and has spent more than 22 years supporting the cooperative and its people. Her impact is felt across the cooperative every day.”
Kennedy’s dedication to UEC and its people makes her a cornerstone of the cooperative’s operations. Though much of her work takes place behind the scenes, her influence reaches across the organization, supporting leadership, employees and the members UEC serves.