Log in | Register |
StormCenter logo

Archive

Month: March 2026

SECO Energy and CoBank Award $30,000 in Sharing Success Contributions to Strengthen Rural Communities

SECO Energy and CoBank have awarded $30,000 in Sharing Success contributions to four nonprofit organizations serving Central Florida. The recipients — Wildwood Soup Kitchen in Sumter County, Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) in Citrus County, The Rock Program in Marion County, and Lake Support & Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) in Lake County — each received $7,500 to expand critical services addressing hunger, domestic violence, student support, and disaster recovery. 

 

“These organizations are on the front lines of serving our rural communities,” said Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy. “Through our partnership with CoBank, we are proud to support programs that improve lives and strengthen communities every day.” 

 

In Sumter County, Wildwood Soup Kitchen provides more than 17,000 hot meals each month to homebound residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others facing food insecurity. Operated entirely by volunteers, the organization serves as a vital lifeline, offering both nourishment and human connection to thousands of Sumter County residents in one of the region’s most rural areas. 

 

In Citrus County, the Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) provides emergency shelter and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Last year, the nonprofit assisted more than 1,200 individuals, helping families find safety, support, and stability during some of the most critical moments of their lives. 

 

In Marion County, The Rock Program operates in-school resource centers known as Rock Rooms, where students can discreetly access clothing, hygiene items, food, and school supplies. By addressing basic needs within schools, the organization removes barriers that can interfere with learning and helps students thrive academically and socially. 

 

In Lake County, Lake Support & Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) works with residents recovering from hurricanes and other disasters, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, elderly, or disabled. The organization provides critical recovery and mitigation support, helping communities rebuild stronger, and more resilient after major events. 

 

Funding for these contributions was made possible through a partnership between SECO Energy and CoBank, a national cooperative bank that matches charitable contributions from electric cooperatives to support rural communities nationwide. CoBank’s Sharing Success program aligns with SECO Energy’s commitment to investing in the community beyond providing reliable electricity and supporting local organizations that strengthen families and enhance the quality of life across the region.  

 

For more information about CoBank’s Sharing Success program visit CoBank.com. 

SECO Energy Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to Lake-Sumter State College Foundation to Support Lineworker Training Program

SECO Energy is proud to announce the award of a $25,000 grant from the SECO Energy Foundation to the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation. This grant will support lineworker training at Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) helping strengthen workforce development efforts and prepare students for high-demand careers in the energy industry. 

 

The $25,000 grant will be used to directly support training resources and program enhancements that equip aspiring lineworkers with the technical skills, safety training, and hands-on experience needed to serve growing communities across Central Florida and beyond. As the demand for skilled utility professionals continues to rise, partnerships like the one between SECO and LSSC play a critical role in building a strong, reliable workforce. 

 

“Our partnership with Lake-Sumter State College represents an investment in people, opportunity, and the future of the energy industry,” said Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy. “Lineworkers are essential to our communities – they work every day to maintain safe and reliable electric service. Through this grant, we are helping to create pathways for students to enter a meaningful, well-paying career while ensuring our communities are served by highly trained professionals. We are proud to support a program that reflects our shared commitment to safety and community and workforce development.” 

 

John P. Temple, President of Lake-Sumter State College, emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and education. “We are deeply grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation for this generous investment in our students and our lineworker training program,” said Temple. “This partnership ensures our graduates are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector. Together, we are creating life-changing opportunities for students while strengthening the infrastructure and economic vitality of the region.” 

 

The SECO Energy Foundation is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance education, community well-being, and workforce readiness. By investing in local training programs like LSSC’s lineworker program, the SECO Energy Foundation continues its mission of giving back to the communities and members it proudly serves. 

 

For more information about the SECO Energy Foundation and its community initiatives, visit SECOFoundation.org.  

 

From left to right: Curtis Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of SECO Energy; Joyce Anderson, Secretary-Treasurer of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees and District 2 Trustee; Matthew Roudabush, President of the SECO Energy Foundation Board of Directors; Mariah Delgado, Executive Director of the SECO Energy Foundation; John P. Temple, President of Lake-Sumter State College; and Dr. Laura Byrd, Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Lake-Sumter State College.

SECO Energy Trustees Morgan Hatfield & Gerald Anderson Maintain Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson and District 9 Trustee Morgan Hatfield on maintaining their Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees is one of the very few in the nation among electric cooperatives in which every Board member has earned the Director Gold Credential.  

  

According to the NRECA, The Director Gold credential recognizes directors committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC). The DGC offers a continued education path for those who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability.  

  

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.  

 

President Anderson lives in The Villages and has been a SECO member since 2013, he was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2019. 

  

President Anderson stated, “I am proud to continue my Board education through the NRECA. I am honored by the trust that District 3 members have placed in me to represent them on SECO’s Board of Trustees. I look forward to SECO Energy’s continued success.”  

 

Vice President Hatfield lives in Umatilla and has been a SECO member since 2019, she was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2021. 

  

Vice President Hatfield stated, “I am proud to serve as the District 9 Trustee and am extremely grateful for the trust that District 9 members have placed in me to represent them on the SECO Board of Trustees. Board education classes are essential to my Board service, and I am proud to continue my education through the NRECA.”  

  

CEO Curtis Wynn said, “Congratulations, President Anderson and Vice President Hatfield, on maintaining your Director Gold Credential, I am thankful for your desire to further your education and your willingness to serve as leaders on our Board for our members in Districts’ 3 and 9 and throughout our entire service region.”  

  

To view the SECO Board of Trustees and a map of their respective service territories, visit SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees page on SECOEnergy.com.

SECO Energy Hosts High School Career Express Event for Sumter County School District

SECO Energy has partnered with CareerSource Central Florida to host the High School Career Express Event on February 27, marking the first time the Cooperative has served as a host site for the program. Students from the Sumter County School District arrived at the SECO Energy Headquarters, where they were welcomed by SECO leadership and staff before participating in hands-on presentations to learn more about the electric cooperative industry. 

 

Students from South Sumter High, Wildwood Middle High, and Sumter P.R.E.P. Academy were greeted by CEO Curtis Wynn, who delivered welcome remarks highlighting SECO Energy’s commitment to community engagement and future career opportunities within the Cooperative.  

 

Following the welcome session, students were divided into groups to explore various departments and facilities across SECO’s campus. Throughout the visit, employees led interactive presentations on Substation Operations, Solar and Energy Efficiency, Reliability and Operations, and Drone Technology, providing students with insight into the diverse career paths available in the energy industry. 

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned and operated by more than 265,000 members across Central Florida. The Cooperative recognizes the importance of investing in the education for students residing in its service territory. Through participation in programs like High School Career Express, SECO aims to cultivate local talent and help prepare students for future careers, with the potential to join the Cooperative. 

 

CareerSource Central Florida is a workforce development organization dedicated to helping job seekers access career opportunities and address employment-related needs.  The organization supports high-demand industries and local businesses by developing talent and fostering economic growth within the region. High School Career Express is a 7– to 10-week program designed to help students explore career pathways through company visits and professional networking opportunities.  

 

SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn welcomed students to the SECO Headquarters. Wynn stated, “Welcome, students and faculty, I am glad you are here to learn more about the energy industry, electric cooperatives, and SECO Energy. The talented students that I have interacted with in our local communities are truly impressive. Enjoy behind-the-scenes opportunity to explore future career paths and learn from your SECO hosts. We are excited to welcome you and share our electric cooperative with you.” 

 

Terri O’Neal, SECO Energy’s Community & Government Affairs Consultant, stated, “I would like to sincerely thank all the students who participated in our High School Career Express.  We hope your visit provided valuable insight into the energy industry and helped you explore the many opportunities available in this field.  Here at SECO Energy, we are committed to investing in the future leaders of the communities we serve. By offering programs like this, we aim to educate, inspire, and support the next generation, some of whom may one day join our team. Thank you for being part of this experience, and we wish you continued success in your journey ahead.” 

 

“We are thrilled to partner with SECO Energy as a hosting site for High School Career Express, giving local students the opportunity to experience firsthand the many career opportunities that exist beyond what they may traditionally associate with the utilities industry,” said Marcela DeFaria, Vice President of Development at CareerSource Central Florida. “By connecting them with industry leaders and real-world environments, we’re helping students envision their future and make informed decisions about their career journey.  

 

“At SECO Energy, we recognize that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce,” said April Brown, Vice President of Human Resources & Corporate Services. “By engaging with students through programs like High School Career Express, we are helping them explore meaningful career paths while building a strong, skilled talent pipeline to support the future of our Cooperative and the communities we serve.” 

 

Students who participated in the High School Career Express event will be eligible for SECO Energy’s Internship program beginning in Summer 2026, with more details to follow. High School Seniors are also eligible for SECO Energy’s 2026 Scholarship Program, which will award 12 students who plan to attend a college, university, or trade school in Florida $4,000 each to support their education. Applications are now open, with a deadline on March 27, 2026. Students may find more details and apply on the SECO Energy website at secoenergy.com/scholarship.   

A group picture of High School Career Express students and chaperones alongside SECO Energy employees and CareerSource Central Florida’s Program Manager – Apprenticeship Navigator & Business Initiatives, Brenda Chrisman.
SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn welcomes the students at High School Career Express to the electric cooperative.