Women Electrifying the Cooperative World
March is Women’s History Month, and March 8 is recognized as International Women’s Day. The theme for 2023 is embrace equity – something we practice and celebrate here daily at Choptank Electric Cooperative. What better time than now to shine the spotlight on some of our cooperative’s outstanding women who are making a difference in our community?
Sherri Beatty
Asset Data Specialist
Denton District Office
How long have you been an employee at Choptank Electric Cooperative? 5 years
Have you held any previous positions here? I started as a Member Service Specialist for 3 years and a Regional Member Service Representative for 1 year before accepting my current position as Asset Data Specialist.
What is your favorite part of working for Choptank Electric? While I no longer work directly with our members, I’m happy to be part of a Cooperative that cares so much for its members and the communities it serves. We work hard to ensure our members have power and everyone here has a hand in that process one way or another.
Why do you feel it’s important for women to be involved in the industry? Electric has always been in demand and that demand is continually growing with new homes, schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Women bring a unique way of thinking and powerful skill set — having a diverse group of employees will only enhance the industry.
What impact do you hope to make while working here? I want to do the best job I can. It’s important to me that our men and women are in safe and reliable vehicles so they can perform their daily duties. By keeping accurate maintenance records, we can be sure the vehicles are serviced properly and are up to par for them to do their jobs. It’s nice that I can be one of the building blocks that keeps the Co-op functioning efficiently.
What empowers you as a woman in the electric co-op field? Working in an industry that is primarily staffed by men, I feel empowered when I complete tasks efficiently and accurately. Having gained the respect of the employees I work with has been important, as they have assisted in the learning curve. Being raised on a farm, I have carried over a strong work ethic which is vital to my employment success. My love for the outdoors helps me to be able to perform tasks in various conditions and my computer skills gained from working in member services have brought every part of this position into full focus.
Peggy Fuller
Human Resources Specialist
Headquarters in Denton
How long have you been an employee at Choptank Electric Cooperative? 33 years
Have you held any previous positions here? I started as a Staff Management Services Clerk in Human Resources in 1990. I worked in the Engineering and the Member Services departments for several years before returning to Human Resources in 2008.
What is your favorite part of working for Choptank Electric? Knowing that I’m working in an industry that is part of such a life changing “movement” so to speak for the rural areas on the Eastern Shore and across America! I’m working at a place that brings a resource people can’t live without. I’m happy to be part of a great team that works well together and keeps the lights on and the houses warm for all our members!
Why do you feel it’s important for women to be involved in the industry? I feel women are important in every industry! We are just as capable of making decisions, working with our hands, managing people and handling important roles in a business as anyone else. I would love to see a female lineworker here at Choptank Electric someday. I know there are some extremely competent women out there working for other co-ops across America, and I think it would be great to have one here!
What impact do you hope to make while working here? I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. I’ve been here through four CEOs, I’ve seen long-time employees retire after 50 years of service and I’ve seen new and excited young employees begin their careers here. I hope I’ve always been and will continue to be a dependable resource for all our employees and retirees.
What empowers you as a woman in the electric co-op field? I think my self-confidence and knowing my strengths and how to use them to make a difference is what empowers me the most. You have to find your passion, and mine is helping people and being someone they can count on. The best part of being a human in general is the free will to be whatever you want to be … to set your own goals, have a network of good people around you, and take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities out there to help you become successful and do good in the world!
Sharon Coverdale
General Ledger Accountant
Headquarters in Denton
How long have you been an employee at Choptank Electric Cooperative? 14 years
Have you held any previous positions here? No
What is your favorite part of working for Choptank Electric? There are many, but I’ll expound on a few. On my first day of employment, the one thing that stood out was the friendly environment throughout the company. I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect, but I was made to feel welcomed and included. Also, even though I am not in direct contact with our members daily, I enjoy playing a part in servicing them.
Why do you feel it’s important for women to be involved in the industry? Women in the industry brings diversity to the industry, which makes a more dynamic workplace. I look at diversity as a benefit because each person is unique and has different experiences and perspectives that could bring about change or help resolve issues within the company.
What impact do you hope to make while working here? I will strive to continue to do a great job in my current role. But, most importantly, I hope to make an impact by being kind to others and treating people with respect. It doesn’t cost anything to show kindness and to treat people the way you want to be treated.
What empowers you as a woman in the electric co-op field? To lead by example and to encourage women of all races and ethnicities to believe in themselves. It’s important for women to know their worth personally and professionally because we have brought much needed value to this industry.
Irene Pasta
Senior Member Services Specialist
Headquarters in Denton
How long have you been an employee at Choptank Electric Cooperative? 12 years
Have you held any previous positions here? Member Services Specialist
What is your favorite part of working for Choptank Electric? The people I have worked with and work with today. When I started here, we were known for bringing electric to the rural areas … because of our staff and what each one of us brings to the table and how we make it work together, today we have been able to grow, change and be a better cooperative than before. It’s a cool place to be.
Why do you feel it’s important for women to be involved in the industry? The numbers for women in the electric cooperative industry are still low, but every position a woman takes on shows a step forward to improve diversity in this industry. Women also help to create career options/paths that other women may have been hesitant to take or may not have considered.
What impact do you hope to make while working here? To have been part of a team that creates a positive working environment, that will build training and development job aids that can be easily implemented and offer growth opportunities, encourage others to be open, ask questions, work together as a team to build trust and be supportive of each other.
What empowers you as a woman in the electric co-op field? My approach in this field as in any field; learn something from everyone you work with, enjoy most days what you do (some just don’t align sometimes and that’s ok) and show the respect you want to receive. This will allow you to succeed in anything you do.
Deborah Gaddis
Office Specialist II
Regional Service Center in Salisbury
How long have you been an employee at Choptank Electric Cooperative? 20 years
Have you held any previous positions here? Member Service Representative
What is your favorite part of working for Choptank Electric? Learning and working with my coworkers. Working with operations supplies me with descriptive visuals from out in the field of repairs, such as broken cross arms, bad services, blown transformers and even vermin/serpents that can be found in a pad mount. Specialty projects are my favorite because I like being able to use my knowledge and experience to solve problems.
Why do you feel it’s important for women to be involved in the industry? Gender diversity — giving others the opportunity to experience all avenues from linework to administration.
What impact do you hope to make while working here? The importance of teamwork. Working together to complete projects with ease and efficiency.
What empowers you as a woman in the electric co-op field? Workshops, trainings, and seminars to become educated to better serve the membership.
“Whether they work in an office or on a line, these women are high-energy leaders who not only help keep the lights on, but serve as guiding lights to our team and in the community. We are grateful to have so many impactful women on staff and serving on our board here at Choptank.”
- Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative.
To learn more about our cooperative and future job openings, visit:
> www.choptankelectric.coop/employment