Meet Board Director Larry Culwell

The daily life of a member of the board of directors can vary. Some have full-time executive jobs and some are retired. Holding a board seat can be an intense experience with much responsibility. It is more than just monthly meetings; it requires vigilance, responsiveness, and a commitment to representing members’ interests.

In March 1998, Larry Culwell of Bokoshe, Oklahoma, began serving on the Kiamichi Electric Cooperative (KEC) board of directors for District 7. Culwell has been a memberowner of KEC since 1977.

A 1970 graduate of Bokoshe High School, Larry graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State College in 1972 and continued his education at Southeastern Oklahoma State College, where he obtained his degree in math and physics. He began teaching at Keota in 1974 before getting his master’s degree in counseling from Northeastern Oklahoma State University.

His love of teaching and working with students eventually led him to obtain his principal and superintendent certifications. He served at Howe Public School as superintendent for four years, Red Oak Public School as principal for six years and as superintendent for five years, and at Wister Public School as superintendent for three years.

Larry and his wife, Lou, have been married for 52 years. Together they have raised two children, a son and a daughter, and have five grandchildren.

In his spare time, which is limited, Larry and Lou enjoy traveling all over the country by motorcycle, even telling stories of times they were stranded on the side of the road. Their love for people is evident. Their home is filled with memorabilia of past trips, family get-togethers, and team roping days for Culwell.

Although he has been retired from the school system for many years, his schedule is just as busy, if not more. The challenges the board of directors face today are more complex and numerous than ever before, and the best path forward isn’t always clearly marked.

In addition to attending board meetings at KEC, he is tasked with staying up to date with current events and changes in the industry.

In September 12, he became a trustee for KAMO Power in Vinita, Oklahoma, a transmission coop that serves a portion of KEC’s territory. In May of 2022, he was elected by the KAMO board of trustees to represent KAMO on the Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI), in Springfield, Missouri, board of directors, which is a generation cooperative that also serves a portion of KEC’s territory.

“Larry’s voice is invaluable in the KAMO boardroom. He ensures that his neighbors continue to receive safe, reliable, and affordable electricity” - Megan Long, KAMO Power Executive Assistant.

AECI has a 12-person board, and Larry represents the 17 KAMO Power co-ops, including KEC. The board reviews plans for serving the member system from generation to transmission, ensuring AECI is in full environmental compliance and approving rates to its members. It requires an extensive level of knowledge to make decisions on behalf of the members, so the lights stay on and bills stay affordable.

“In just a year of serving on the AECI board, Larry has shown an ability to understand many complicated issues we deal with. He represents KEC’s members well at the board table,” – Joe Wilkinson, SVP and chief member relations officer at AECI.

Culwell also serves on the KAMO Power Steering Committee, is the current KAMO Power board president, and is the KAMO Power representative on the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives board of directors (OAEC).

“The board of directors has a unique role as they oversee the CEO and ensure key areas and policies are followed and implemented,” Culwell says.

The board provides balance to management. A good board member needs experience, training, and the willingness to challenge management if necessary. Board directors must also complete training offered through our national organization, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Culwell remains up to the task and is eager to give his time to advancing KEC’s purpose, mission, and vision toward a bright future.