A 36-Year Definition of Member Service

Like linemen or transformers, Thomas Tyndall has been an integral part of the Cooperative. As a member service leader at Choptank Electric Cooperative, he dedicated his life to our Member Service department in different capacities over 36 years, eventually becoming Vice President of Member Services. As the head of both the Member Services department and the Choptank Fiber broadband installation team, he strives to ensure that his team delivers a “white-glove” service to every single member they assist. Retiring on November 30, read his retelling of a long and successful career at Choptank Electric:
“When I started working at Choptank Electric Cooperative more than 35 years ago as a Meter Reader/Cable Locator, I did not fully understand the business model of cooperatives and what it meant to be member-owned. The importance of “Putting the Members First” became clear to me and that meant keeping the lights on, offering a fair price for the power delivered, and supporting the member-owners at the best level possible regarding customer service. My career progressed working in various positions including the warehouse, inventory, Apprentice Lineman for a couple of years, and eventually the Member Services department, ultimately leading to the position of Vice President of Member Services, the pinnacle of my professional career with the Cooperative.
I have been extremely fortunate to work with an incredibly talented, experienced, and supportive group of professionals. The Member Services Team we built over the years valued and upheld the commitment to meet, and often exceeded the customer service expectations of our members. I am most appreciative of the opportunity to personally meet so very many wonderful members of the Cooperative. Some became friends over the many years of employment.
Member Services for me has not been about getting from point A to point B in the shortest period of time with the least amount of resistance. It’s more about the journey from point A to B and not perceiving obstacles and resistance as an impediment, but how it adds color, interest, emotion, and value to the story. The cliché “moving on to the next chapter of your life” is true when contemplating retirement and I certainly am looking forward to many years of good health, happiness, and spending time with my family.
I have enjoyed an extremely rewarding career with Choptank Electric Cooperative, most affectionately in Member Services, and I leave my employment knowing I made a positive impact in the lives of many member-owners, and I have the great pleasure here of thanking all of you for letting me be of service. Take Care.”