The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) annually presents its Distinguished Service Award to someone who "selflessly and tirelessly devotes themselves to the progress of rural electrification." This year the award was presented to Dan Singletary, manager of Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, West Plains.
"Bestowing this honor on Dan Singletary is most appropriate, because he has been an advocate for rural people throughout his cooperative career," said Caleb Jones, CEO of the association. "As a cooperative leader and public servant, Dan worked diligently to improve the quality of life in his community. He's also a recognized leader in improving the safety of electric cooperative employees."
Dan’s electric cooperative career began in 1985 when he joined the Howell-Oregon Electric staff. He was hired as a third computer programmer but quickly moved up the ranks to become the assistant manager in 1992. Two years later he was named manager of the cooperative, a position he has held ever since.
He is currently the board president for Sho-Me Electric Power Cooperative, Marshfield, a transmission cooperative that moves high-voltage electricity to Howell-Oregon and eight other electric cooperatives. He also serves on the board of Associated Electric Cooperative, Springfield, which generates electricity for electric co-ops in Missouri and parts of Iowa and Oklahoma.
Throughout his career, Dan worked to ensure electric cooperative employees go home in the same condition they arrived, not just at his cooperative but at all the cooperatives in Missouri. He is chair of the Missouri Electric Cooperatives Insurance Plan, or MECIP, an organization that promotes safe working conditions through training, safety audits and reviews of accidents and near misses.
Dan served his community by organizing fishing tournaments that raise funds for research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. He also coached West Plain's Mighty Mites football program. He's served on many civic committees, always with an eye to bringing more jobs to the area. He has a degree in business administration with a minor in computer science from the former School of the Ozarks.
In presenting the award, Jones cited Dan's dedication, his tireless public service and willingness to serve as a role model for others to follow. "Dan Singletary embodies the spirit of distinguished service," he said. "His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the cooperative movement for years to come."
The award was presented October 1 during the annual meeting of the association and his family was present. The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives is the Jefferson City-based statewide service organization for Missouri's electric cooperatives.
