Get to know Co-op Board Director Cindy Thorman

Cindy Thorman, Osceola, is a co-op director in District 1 and has served on the board since 2005.

“A cooperative is democratic and member controlled. I respect that,” said Cindy. “I represent co-op members on the board. It’s an important job. My goals are to be a voice for members and do the right thing for them.”

Cindy grew up on Polk-Burnett lines outside Milltown and graduated from Unity High School. She understands firsthand that electricity is vital in our rural areas.

“I grew up hearing stories from my uncle, who helped build our rural electric system,” said Cindy. “I am interested in electricity and curious about how the grid works. Once elected to the board, I jumped into training programs to become a Certified Cooperative Director, learning about power generation and distribution, co-op business operations and policies.”

Throughout her education and experience, Cindy has become an advocate for nuclear energy, calling it, “a clean energy alternative we can rely on.”

Cindy is also an advocate for youth and community, and believes it’s important for Polk-Burnett to demonstrate community involvement, according to our cooperative principles. Cindy presents scholarships at Osceola High School every year on behalf of Polk-Burnett, and supports our Co-op Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. where teens learn about cooperatives, U.S. history, government and democracy.

Cindy and her husband Glyn have three daughters and four grandsons. They take pride in restoring historic buildings, especially when it helps community development in their hometown. Two of their restored buildings in downtown Osceola are now listed on the National Historic Register and have been sold to become successful businesses.

Learn more about your co-op board of directors.