Board of Directors Member Paul Lambert on Serving: The Rewards, the Challenges, and VEC’s Focus on Members

Board of Directors Member Paul Lambert on Serving: The Rewards, the Challenges, and VEC’s Focus on Members

Paul Lambert of Georgia (pictured above with is daughters at the 2019 VEC Annual Meeting) has served on the VEC Board of directors since 2017. He represents District 6, which comprises the towns of Berkshire, Enosburg, Franklin, Georgia, Highgate, Montgomery, Richford, Sheldon, St. Albans Town, and Swanton. Below, he reflects on what it means to serve.

What first motivated you to serve on the VEC Board of Directors?

The fact that energy is such a critical part of everything we do is what attracted me to serving on the board. The affordability, sustainability and reliability of energy is a cornerstone of a strong economy, vibrant communities and the comfort and security of our homes. I also felt the need to serve my broader community in new ways. I have been on the board of directors for the Northwest Solid Waste Management District and my church parish for many years. The VEC director role broadened my involvement and aligned well with my professional role serving Vermonters through my work at Efficiency Vermont.

What are the rewards of serving?

Honestly - serving itself is the reward. As I said earlier, energy impacts so many parts of our lives and the world around us. So, to be able to be part of something so important to individual families, our community and the region is exciting. I also really enjoy people, and this role provides a great opportunity to work closely with a rich and diverse group of folks. Watching us challenge each other and challenge ourselves for a greater good is such a rewarding thing to see.

What are the challenges?

For me, it is time. To give the director position the time it deserves and requires, you need to manage and schedule accordingly. I am fortunate that my employer provides me the flexibility to serve, but it can make for long days leading up to and following our board meetings. My wife and I have four children, and I waited a few years before pursuing a director seat until our kids were a bit older to avoid it taking too much time away from family.

The VEC Board of Directors has a close up view of one of the more dynamic industries, the electric power sector. What are you seeing?

Wow - what an exciting and challenging time in to be involved in the electric power industry! Safe, affordable and reliable energy is a constant mantra among VEC's board and staff. But it no longer stops there. Decarbonization, electrification, grid resiliency and innovation are now key areas of focus that VEC overlays on these core tenets. This is not unique to VEC or Vermont, it's happening through all regions of the country. Nationally, some utilities are being proactive, some more reactive. I am proud of how VEC has leaned into the opportunities and the challenges of a rapidly changing energy grid. Yet, at the same time, our team has not lost our focus on our members and providing them with safe, affordable and reliable energy. It requires a constant balance across the organization.

Co-ops are made up of members, not customers. In your view, what does this mean?

For me, being a co-op means that our decisions are always focused on the people, businesses and communities we serve. That has to be our touchstone on every decision. VEC does not exist for its own sake, but solely for the benefit of its members. It's important for that not to get lost in all of the complex and tough decisions we make at the co-op.

What advice would you have for someone contemplating serving on the board?

I would encourage folks who are interested to ask themselves why they are contemplating the position and understand what is motivating them to serve. Then I would reach out to a director in your region or at-large, or our CEO, and share those thoughts with them and ask for more insight from their perspective. If you decide to pursue a seat, bring your passions and interest, but also be willing to learn and engage with others who have different perspectives. I’m proud of our board and our ability to bring a diversity of views, expertise and styles to the boardroom each month to solve new problems and reach new goals. With VEC's staff and directors, the sum is so much greater than the parts. That collective effort is key to our success and never the work of any one person.