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)helpingstrengthen 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 has partnered with CareerSource Central Floridato host the High School Career Express Event on February 27, marking the first timethe Cooperative has served as a host site for the program.Studentsfrom the Sumter County School District arrived atthe SECO Energy Headquarters, where they were welcomed by SECO leadership and staff before participatingin 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 developingtalent 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 hereto learn more about the energy industry, electric cooperatives, and SECO Energy. The talented students that I have interacted with in our local communities aretruly 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 participatedin 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 helpingstudents 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.
SECO Energy’s District 6 members have re-elected Trustee Mike Muffett without opposition, to continue serving on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Muffett will serve a new three-year term following the election held on February 3 at Village View Community Church, which was well attended by District 6 members.
SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by and operated for more than 265,000 Central Florida members. The Cooperative is geographically divided into nine Districts, each represented by a Trustee who serves on the SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The nine-member Board meets monthly to make decisions in the best interests of the membership. As SECO’s governing body, the board plays a pivotal role in shaping the cooperative’s present and future.
In accordance with SECO’s bylaws and Florida statute, the cooperative conducts in-person district meetings and elections. The District 6 meeting saw a strong attendance, with members actively engaged throughout the Member Engagement Panel discussion, sharing thoughtful questions, feedback and perspectives on cooperative operations and priorities. Mr. Muffett was the sole candidate for the District 6 Trustee position and received strong support from members for his continued service.
A SECO Energy member since 1984, Mr. Muffett was first elected as District 6 Trustee in 2020. He has earned a Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and a Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
“I’m extremely grateful for the strong turnout and active participation from the District 6 members,” said Trustee Muffett. “After six years of serving on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees, I remain fully committed to helping this community and working alongside the rest of the Board, ensuring our members get the best energy services possible.”
Gerald Anderson, President of the Board of Trustees, praised the level of member involvement. “Thank you to our District 6 members for your attendance, questions and meaningful discussion,” stated Anderson. Congratulations, Trustee Muffett, on your re-election as District 6 Trustee. The Board looks forward to our continued work together.”
SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn also acknowledged the District 6 members and their strong turnout and engagement. “The high level of participation we saw during the Member Engagement Panel demonstrates how invested our members are in their cooperative,” Wynn said. “Thank you to our District 6 members for attending, asking questions and sharing feedback. This level of engagement strengthens our cooperative and helps guide our decisions.”
Wynn continued to say, “Congratulations to Trustee Muffett on continuing to represent his fellow members. The trust and support shown by District 6 were evident throughout the meeting. The Executive Leadership Team looks forward to continuing our work with Trustee Muffett and the entire Board as we drive SECO Energy’s success and support the well-being of our members.”
(Left to right) SECO Energy Board of Trustees President Gerald Anderson, District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett, and SECO CEO Curtis Wynn at the District 6 Meeting on Tuesday night.
Membersask insightful questions to SECO Energy’s Executive Leadership Team during the Member Engagement Panel segment at the District 6 Meeting.
