February 2025 | Marla, Thank You for Your Caring Heart

By Sean J. Vanslyke | sean@gosemo.com

Congratulations, Marla, on your retirement and thank you for your loyalty to Team SEMO, our retirees, the Board of Directors, and to me. We recognize and appreciate Marla Wood for her 31-plus years of service to the SEMO Electric Cooperative. Over the past three decades, Marla was an integral part of our organization, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to our mission.

Marla’s journey with the cooperative began on May 24, 1993, and from the outset, she set an example with her work ethic and her ability to connect with colleagues and members alike. Whether it was ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day activities or assisting a member in need, Marla’s contributions were significant.

Marla played key roles in executive management, human resources, benefits, and ensuring GoSEMO Fiber subscriber satisfaction. Her loyalty and care for people made her a valued part of our team. She guided me when I started as CEO in January of 2012, and her support and insight were important during that transition.

Her knowledge of the cooperative’s operations and her willingness to mentor others made her a reliable resource and a respected colleague. Marla’s ability to listen and support others helped the cooperative grow while maintaining our focus on reliability and member-centered service.

Beyond her professional contributions, Marla’s kindness and thoughtfulness left a positive impact on everyone she worked with. Her genuine care for her colleagues and the members of our cooperative family reflected the values we strive to uphold.

As Marla moves on to the next chapter of her life, we extended our sincere gratitude for her years of service. Her work will continue to inspire us, and her presence will be missed.

Thank you, Marla, for your contributions and the example you set for all of us. You will always hold a special place in the cooperative family.

Book of the Month: “My philosophy on life is simple: You come into this world with nothing, and you leave with nothing. So seize every opportunity to leave a legacy that might inspire others to make the most of their time on earth. You will be judged by the way you’ve lived and by whether you’ve followed your servant’s heart.” Gambler – Secrets from a Life at Risk by Billy Walters

Be smart. Act safely. Keep pushing forward!

Sean is the CEO/GM of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.