Meet the Member Services Team
April 2023The Face of The Cooperative
For many consumer-members, our member service representatives and cashiers are the face of the cooperative. Please get to know a little more about the team.
Denny Tompkins
Member Engagement Team Leader, 15 years
What does it mean to you to be one of the “faces of the cooperative” for members?
We are the first contact that most members have with SVEC, and I take pride in making it a good one. However, everyone here is a face of the cooperative and we work hard to ensure that our members are appreciated.
What is the biggest challenge you face on the job?
I think the biggest challenge we face in our positions is the ever-changing technology and ensuring our consumer-members are not left behind. It has come so far from when I first started with the cooperative.
Kelly Mckinley
Member Accounts Team Leader, 8 years
What is the biggest challenge you face on the job?
There are so many different topics we handle. We are a fairly small cooperative, and we cross train to cover different areas. Each of our member service reps can handle that, and it makes you proud to be able to wear many hats. But it can be a lot of information to retain.
What is the one thing you wish all SVEC members knew?
That we truly do have their best interests in mind. Unfortunately, electricity isn’t free. But I do believe we try to keep our rates competitive, show up and support our community, have reliable service and help members who are struggling find solutions.
Alicia Elmore
Member Service Representative, 31 years
How did you come to work for the cooperative?
I started part time during my senior year at Suwannee High School through its on-the-job training program that allowed me to work during some of my school hours.
What does it mean to you to be one of the “faces of the cooperative” for members?
I’m very thankful to be an employee of SVEC. As a member service representative, we are the first person you see when coming into the office or the voice you hear when calling in.
Kimberly Plummer
Member Service Representative, 8 years
What does it mean to you to be one of the “faces of the cooperative” for members?
Providing great customer service and simply showing people that I, and SVEC, care.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy working with the public. I come across people who just need a kind word or a smile to help them through their day. Being the face of SVEC gives me the opportunity to encounter people from all walks of life.
Ashley Johnson
Member Service Representative, 5 years
What is the biggest challenge you face on the job?
Being so driven to keep members happy it is hard to say no when necessary. We want to help, but there are times we simply cannot do what a member wants. At the end of the day, it is more important to keep members safe.
What is the one thing you wish all SVEC members knew?
How much SVEC truly cares for their members and employees. I feel proud to work for a company that gives back to all the communities we serve.
Maria Suarez
Member Service Representative, 5 years
What does it mean to you to be one of the “faces of the cooperative” for members?
It is a great honor to be the first impression that our members receive.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Seeing a member happy that we’re able to help them out and working with great co-workers.
Maci Hodges
Member Service Representative, 2 years
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite parts of the job are my amazing co-workers and being able to help members daily. We all want to do what is best for our members.
What is the biggest challenge you face on the job?
The job itself has so many different scenarios that can go with one account. You learn something new every day in this position, and never know what is going to walk through the door.
Brittany Townsed
Cashier, 2 years
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the daily interactions I have with members who I see on a regular basis. Everybody is always in a friendly mood, and it makes the workday more pleasant.
What is the one thing you wish all SVEC members knew?
That we are a not-for-profit company. It’s frustrating when bills go up, but that money isn’t going into employees’ pockets. We really care about our members and always want to provide the best possible service at the most affordable rates.
Kellie Colvin
Cashier, 1 year
How did you come to work for the cooperative?
I was interested in a part-time job after working for many years for a local doctor until he retired in 2021. I haven’t worked for SVEC long, but I love it here and the kindness everyone has shown me.
What does it mean to you to be one of the “faces of the cooperative” for members?
I am very proud to be one of the faces of the cooperative and proudly tell others I work for a wonderful cooperative.
