25 Mar
Earlier this month, the world celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women as part of International Women’s Day.
Women have been integral to CORE Electric Cooperative’s 80-plus years of providing Colorado’s Front Range reliable electric service, and our co-op has a history of females in leadership roles. In fact, women currently hold five of CORE’s six executive positions – a unique distinction in an industry that has traditionally skewed male.
Chief Administrative Officer Kathleen Solano joined CORE in May 2021. As CAO, she drives and executes cooperative-wide strategies, sets overall goals and metrics, and proposes projects, systems, and programs that support the CORE’s mission.
She enjoys “thriving at CORE with this phenomenal team of strong women” and is “so proud to be part of this crew providing community and connection to Colorado.”
Chief Financial Officer Dede Jones has been with CORE for more than five years. A licensed certified public accountant and certified internal auditor, she oversees all financial functions within the cooperative, including cash and debt management, financial accounting and reporting, financial planning and analysis, risk management, procurement, and internal auditing.
Dede shared, that she has, “enjoyed working in the utility industry for most of her career and that the cooperative model is truly the best.”
Chief Legal Officer Joan Beckner is the most recent addition to CORE’s executive team. As CORE’s Chief Legal Officer, Joan Beckner handles our full range of disputes, transactions, and other legal issues. Previously, she was a Litigation partner with a leading international law firm and in-house counsel to the world’s largest oilfield services company in Houston and UK.
Chief Operating Officer Pam Feuerstein is responsible for engineering, distribution and transmission operations, power supply, and safety for the cooperative. A registered professional engineer, Pam has been with CORE for more than a decade and is a 2021 recipient of the Denver Business Journal C-Suite Award, which honors C-suite level executives who demonstrate vital leadership and business savvy while guiding their companies to success.
As a leader at CORE, she enjoys “working with a great team of people, being able to mentor and watch others achieve their career goals.”
Chief Member Experience Officer Mandi Lesher joined CORE in 2006 and now leads its call center, billing and payments, and economic development functions.
“If you want it, go for it,” is her advice to women interested not just in leadership, but in a career in the utility industry. “Focus on your skills, mindset, and determination, and you’ll be better positioned for success.”
CORE is proud to highlight these leaders, who are just a few of the exceptional women giving us and our members The Energy to Thrive!