Chugach Electric Association directors Jim Nordlund and Elizabeth Vazquez recently earned certification as directors of a cooperative utility board. The program requires utility directors to complete a 40-hour program of professional education. The training consists of courses in duties and liabilities, understanding the electric business, board roles, strategic planning and financial decision-making.

The director certification program is run by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. NRECA is a trade organization that represents more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country.

Nordlund and Vazquez received their certifications at the organization's 2006 regional meeting in Fairbanks Sept. 21. Nationally, only about 52 percent of all electric cooperative directors earn their certificates.

Nordlund, a self-employed homebuilder and general contractor, was elected to the Chugach board in 2006, while Vazquez, an attorney with the State of Alaska, was elected in 2005.

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for Alaskans throughout the Railbelt through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales.