March 9, 2026 — The Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) is now accepting nominations for its top honors in cooperative communications: the Michael Graznak Award, the H.E. Klinefelter Award, and the CEO Communicator Award.
These awards celebrate the individuals who bring the cooperative story to life, from rising professionals shaping the future of the industry to seasoned leaders whose careers have strengthened it for decades. Nominations are due by Friday, April 10, 2026, and submission details are available at www.communicators.coop.
“Excellence in communication doesn’t happen by accident,” said Casey Hollins, CCA board member and award chairperson. “These awards recognize the talent, leadership, and dedication that elevates cooperative communications across the country. We encourage our members to nominate colleagues who are making a meaningful impact.”
The Michael Graznak Award honors CCA members age 35 and younger who demonstrate outstanding achievement in cooperative communications and active involvement in the association. Recipients reflect the energy, creativity, and leadership that will shape the future of the profession.
The H.E. Klinefelter Award recognizes members whose sustained contributions have significantly advanced cooperative communications and CCA. Honorees are respected leaders whose careers reflect long-term commitment, professional excellence, and service to the industry.
The CEO Communicator Award highlights a cooperative chief executive officer who champions open, effective communication as a core element of successful leadership and organizational culture.
Award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 CCA Institute, May 31-June 2 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The annual institute brings cooperative communication professionals together for professional development, idea-sharing, and celebration of excellence across the cooperative community.
CCA exists to improve the effectiveness of all cooperative communicators; advance professional standards; and exchange facts, research, techniques, and opinions among cooperative communicators. Board members for the 2025-2026 business year, and their home cooperatives: Dori Lichty, president, CentralStar Cooperative, Waupun, Wis.; Kelly Jimenez, vice president, Carroll EMC, Carrollton, Ga.; Adam Buckallew, secretary-treasurer, MFA Oil Company, Columbia, Mo.; Cliff Dolbeare, GROWMARK, Inc., Bloomington, Ill.; Jennie Lacey, Roberta, Ga.; Hayley Leatherwood, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mallory Shoemaker, Central Valley Ag Cooperative, Beloit, Kan; Casey Hollins, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Fredericksburg, Va.; and Randy Hill, Planters EMC, Millen, Ga. Visit www.communicators.coop for more information.
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Photo: Chellie Phillips, vice president of communications and public relations at Coweta-Fayette EMC in Georgia, was the 2025 H.E. Klinefelter Award recipient. CCA is now accepting nominations for the Klinefelter and Michael Graznak Awards, as well as the CEO Communicator Award. Deadline is April 10, 2026.
