Several employees have been promoted into new roles recently, and one has retired.
• Teresa Chase was promoted to the position of payroll clerk. Teresa has worked for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative as a collections representative since 2018.
• Manuela Heyn retired from GCEC after nearly 28 years of service. Congratulations, Manuela! We wish you the best in your retirement.
• Shannon Hill was promoted to the role of energy auditor. Shannon has worked for GCEC in the member services department since 2004.
• Lorie Jackson-Lewis was promoted to the position of collections representative. Lorie has worked for GCEC in the member services department since 2006.
• Bob Logan was promoted to the position of GIS technician. Bob has worked for GCEC as GIS locator since 2011.
• Brett Satterfield recently became certified through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association by completing the Line Technician Apprenticeship Training Program.
In addition to four correspondence courses and three climbing, construction, and operations laboratories—onsite classes—the training includes four years of on-the-job training under a lead line technician.
The correspondence courses consist of independent study of math, electricity, and alternating current— fundamental principles that are the groundwork for understanding the hows and whys of the profession.
Students learn the basic tools and equipment used in everyday operations and applications, such as stringing and sagging wire; underground distribution systems; transmission and distribution line maintenance; transformer connections; meter applications; substation operations; and phasing and measuring voltage and current.
The three laboratories enable students to apply the knowledge learned from the correspondence units.
Participants learn basic knots and safe climbing techniques, as well as pole-top rescue—skills necessary for overhead line construction.
They build and frame lines according to specifications, and learn grounding and preparation of stress cones for underground cables. Effective job briefing and basic troubleshooting steps for overhead and underground systems are demonstrated, as well as transformer banking, bucket truck pre-trip inspection and bucket truck rescue.
Laboratories last one week each and were in north Alabama. Written and physical tests were required.
Although not all electric cooperatives require their line technicians to be certified, GCEC management believes the training ensures the cooperative’s line technicians use proper construction techniques and follow safety procedures to prevent harm to themselves, co-workers, and consumers.
“Gulf Coast Electric lineworkers are not promoted to the line technician position title until they are certified,” said GCEC Chief Operations Officer Francis Hinson. “Certification enhances not only employee knowledge but also safety practices.”
Congratulations to each, and good luck in their new roles.
