Misty Stephenson
Misty is a native Kansan who has lived all over the world as part of her husband’s military career. They moved back to Kansas almost 5 years ago. Misty, her husband, and four children live in rural Leavenworth County. She believes community involvement and leadership are important.
Education and Experience
Tell us about your educational background.
I have a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College.
What is your community or board experience?
I have been involved in various leadership roles at each of our duty stations during my husband’s military career. I’ve been on the Officer Spouse Club board, Women of the Chapel board, Family Readiness Group leader, Girl Scout leader and more. I believe it’s important to be an involved member of community organizations.
Candidate Q & A
Explain the Cooperative Difference.
The Cooperative Difference is being a member owner. It’s driven by all members who use the service and all members have a voice and responsibility in the organization, not by strangers being paid to act on our behalf.
What are three critical issues that you believe the cooperative should focus on in the next few years?
- Understanding changing stressors on the power grid due to weather.
- Keeping costs as low as possible
- Keeping infrastructure up to date and reliable
What interests you most about serving on the board of trustees?
As a typical member with a growing and busy family, I’d like to represent and give a voice to the people of the coop who might not have the time to be as involved as they’d like.
What knowledge and expertise would you bring to FreeState's board and members?
Having lived all over the world as a military spouse, I’d bring fresh perspective to the board and members. Being an involved and active member and leader in many community organizations has always been important to me I have a willingness to serve and a natural curiosity to learn as much as I can - whether that be about my fellow members or about rural electric as a whole.
As a trustee, how would you promote the cooperative in your community?
I think a great social media presence is important. I’ve been impressed with Free State’s responsiveness on social media and would like to see that continue and grow.
What makes you the ideal trustee?
I am a person who commits to something and puts in the time and effort to make it the best it can be. Involvement and representing those who are members and may not be active and involved is important.