Weston Putman, manager of public relations for Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) was recently recognized for completing the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Management Internship Program (MIP). The Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program is a comprehensive, four-week educational experience that provides an in-depth analysis of the functions and processes of cooperative management. Onsite portions of the program are held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The MIP is designed to equip emerging cooperative leaders with a broad understanding of all aspects of electric cooperatives, including finance, communications, governance, engineering, operations, and member services. Participants engage in rigorous coursework and collaborative problem-solving while building professional networks with peers from cooperatives across the country.
Putman joined UEC in 2020 and currently serves as Manager of Public Relations. In his role, he has contributed to strategic communications, energy efficiency initiatives, and has supported various community relationships. His participation in the MIP reflects UEC’s continued commitment to leadership development and long-term organizational excellence.
“The MIP provided a comprehensive look at how all areas of a cooperative work together to serve respective communities,” said Putman. “It strengthened my understanding of the financial and governance aspects of the business and gave me valuable perspective from cooperative professionals across the country.”
UEC continues to prioritize employee development, as reflected by past MIP recipients including Adelaide Zumwalt, Manager of IT; Cole Bode, VP of Engineering; Lisa McMeen, VP of Administration; and Josh Lankford, Assistant General Manager, whose leadership continues to support the cooperative’s success.
Through programs like MIP, NRECA supports the development of cooperative leaders who are equipped to guide their organizations through the evolving energy landscape while remaining grounded in cooperative principles.
For Putman, one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was the opportunity to collaborate with fellow cooperative professionals.
“What stood out most about the MIP was the people. Being able to learn side-by-side with other cooperative leaders, share experiences, and challenge each other’s thinking created an environment that pushed me to grow, strengthening my understanding of the cooperative model. It helped me develop as a leader in ways that will benefit our members, our communities, and our organization.”