The Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) is proud to celebrate National Co-op Month by announcing its 2025–2026 Board of Directors, including the election of Dori Lichty from CentralStar Cooperative, Waupun, Wis., as the organization’s new board president.
“Co-op Month is all about celebrating the power of working together, and that’s exactly what CCA is built on,” said Lichty. “Our members are storytellers and strategists who help co-ops connect with their members and communities. I’m honored to help lead this talented group of communicators into another great year.”
Lichty is the communications specialist with CentralStar Cooperative, a multi-state genetics and milk-testing cooperative. She specializes in internal communication, recruiting, merger and acquisition communication, and social media. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, Wis., Lichty has earned several Cooperative Communicators Association awards for her leadership and work projects. She’s also become a trusted resource for information on merger- and employee-communication strategies.
The newly elected 2025–2026 CCA Board of Directors includes Lichty as president; Kelly Jimenez, vice president, Carroll EMC, Carrollton, Ga.; Adam Buckallew, secretary-treasurer, MFA Oil Company, Columbia, Mo.; Cliff Dolbeare, GROWMARK, Inc., Bloomington, Ill.; Jennie Lacey, Roberta, Ga.; Hayley Leatherwood, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mallory Shoemaker, Central Valley Ag Cooperative, Beloit, Kan; Casey Hollins, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Fredericksburg, Va.; and Randy Hill, Planters EMC, Millen, Ga.
Together, the board plans to guide CCA’s mission of developing, inspiring, and connecting cooperative communicators through education, professional development, and networking opportunities.
“CCA’s board members reflect the variety of and dedication found throughout the cooperative community,” said Lichty. “As communicators, we have a unique role in helping people understand how co-ops make a difference, and that’s something worth celebrating all year long.”
CCA exists to improve the effectiveness of all cooperative communicators; advance professional standards; and exchange facts, research, techniques, and opinions among cooperative communicators. Board members for the 2025-2026 business year, and their home cooperatives: Dori Lichty, president, CentralStar Cooperative, Waupun, Wis.; Kelly Jimenez, vice president, Carroll EMC, Carrollton, Ga.; Adam Buckallew, secretary-treasurer, MFA Oil Company, Columbia, Mo.; Cliff Dolbeare, GROWMARK, Inc., Bloomington, Ill.; Jennie Lacey, Roberta, Ga.; Hayley Leatherwood, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mallory Shoemaker, Central Valley Ag Cooperative, Beloit, Kan; Casey Hollins, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Fredericksburg, Va.; and Randy Hill, Planters EMC, Millen, Ga. Visit www.communicators.coop for more information.
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