When you hear about everything happening in our nation’s capital, do you ever find yourself wishing there was someone there who was looking out for you? You probably can’t have your own lobbyist, but you can find peace of mind knowing a local woman is part of a team focused on the reliability and affordability of your home’s energy.
Morgan Hinz works with the government relations staff at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as they educate lawmakers about the needs and concerns of co-op members, including Hinz’s family, whose home near Hanna is served by Kankakee Valley REMC. After graduating from South Central, she earned an agricultural economics degree from Purdue University. Next stop: Capitol Hill and a position as political programs assistant with NRECA.
When asked about a typical workday, she laughed. “There’s no such thing as a typical day here,” she explains, adding, “Every day is something new as things take shape with the current presidential administration, but each day is rewarding.” In her role, she supports the NRECA employees who work with congressional leaders, federal regulators, and the America's Electric Cooperatives PAC to address the needs of co-ops and the communities they serve. “We all work cohesively to ensure safe, affordable, and reliable energy for all consumers at the end of the line,” said Hinz. “Everything I work on directly impacts states and local cooperatives.”
Hinz was well-acquainted with Kankakee Valley REMC from an early age. “Their Co-ops Vote program exposed my interest in politics, particularly about voting with co-op issues in mind,” she recalled. “I'm fortunate to have worked with Representatives Rudy Yakym and Frank Mrvan, who serve the co-op's territory. Having the chance to represent my hometown co-op, Kankakee Valley REMC, has been more than rewarding.”
She’s proud of what she does on our behalf. “NRECA and our department are very involved with what's happening locally,” said Hinz. “We want to support the cooperatives that power America and make sure that the congressional leaders we work with do the same.”
While Hinz loves her job, she appreciates breaks from the chaos so she can help her mother with the family’s horses, play golf with Dad, or watch her brother play ball. Although she finds great excitement talking about working around some of America’s most powerful people, she admits she does dream about returning home for good, maybe even taking a job at the co-op.
