10 Jan
CORE is pleased to announce Wade Pynes as our first Chief Audit Executive (CAE). The CAE oversees the internal audit function at CORE, providing strategic support to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and contributing to continuous improvement of the organization.
Wade previously served as CORE’s Controller overseeing accounting, treasury, financial planning, and other financial operations. During his time at CORE, Wade has been integral in securing several of CORE’s recent financial successes including an exceptional credit rating with Fitch Ratings, a $225M commitment of federal grant funding, and significant enhancements to CORE’s overarching financial strategy.
Wade has over nine years of experience in rural utility finance leadership, previously serving as Chief Financial Officer of cooperatives through numerous power supply transitions and broadband initiatives. In his leadership roles at other electric cooperatives, Wade designed innovative financial strategies which created substantial enterprise value for cooperative members.
“Wade’s extensive experience and success as a finance executive positions him as the ideal candidate to lead CORE’s internal audit function,” said Robert Graf, CORE’s Audit Committee Chairman. “The Board is excited to support such a key position for our cooperative.”
Wade holds a dual Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting & Finance from Texas Tech University and a Master of Legal Studies from the University of Arizona. His academic background, combined with his professional experience, makes him exceptionally qualified to oversee CORE’s internal audit function.