by Caleb Jones
In June, the electric co-ops lost an icon. Frank Stork was CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives for more than 30 years. During his time here, he led the rural electric co-ops through many challenges and received plenty of recognition.
During his co-op career, Frank served as chair of the National Legislative Resolutions Committee for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. In his role as a voice for rural Missourians back home, he was invited to discuss energy policy at the White House by President Carter.
Frank got his start as a co-op communicator, helping edit the South Dakota Highliner early in his career. Under his leadership, Rural Missouri was honored with three Haggard Awards, presented annually to the publication that best presents “lucid, forthright contributions to electric cooperative objectives.” Frank’s monthly columns were a big reason for those honors.
These accomplishments, like his many others, are something that should be recognized. Yet, Frank’s real impact on rural Missouri was the people he touched.
Frank hired leaders, helped those leaders and created leaders dedicated to keeping the lights on in rural Missouri. I bet if you go to any electric cooperative in Missouri, you will find someone who has a Frank Stork story. He wasn’t just a leader, he helped build leaders.
Frank wasn’t the first to dedicate his life to rural Missouri. He had the honor, just like I do, of following in the footsteps of many great men and women. These pioneers were leaders who were willing to knock on doors collecting $5 per family in hopes of getting power extended to each farm. Equally important, they were the people who were willing to drive into storms preparing to do whatever it took to keep those lights on.
It is an honor to work for an organization that is focused on the future of rural Missouri. I hope to leave a legacy similar to the one Frank Stork left behind, ensuring affordable, reliable electricity and making rural Missouri a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Frank, you were a co-op champion, a great friend and a mentor. I’m going to miss you.
Caleb Jones is the executive vice president and CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. He is a member of Boone Electric Cooperative.