Layne Morrill

White River Valley Electric Cooperative, KAMO Power, and Associated Electric - Inducted in 2014

Layne Morrill has been an unwavering friend to Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives for nearly 40 years.

He currently serves the rural electric cooperative system with involvement at all levels – as a director of his local distribution cooperative, White River Valley Electric; as a board member at the G&T level for KAMO Power; and as a director of Associated Electric.  He previously served on the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporate Board.

He is a role model for best director practices. He never misses a board meeting.  He reads every document closely – whether it is the annual audit, work plan, budget or changes to policies. No one prepares more thoroughly.  In the boardroom, he asks the uncomfortable questions—a trait necessary for a healthy cooperative. Layne cares deeply about the outcome of board decisions for members and employees. 

The cooperative movement in Missouri benefits tremendously from his involvement in state and local issues. Spending his own time to get to know state and federal elected leaders, he has developed a level of trust that has helped Missouri electric cooperatives successfully fight off harmful legislation. He is a natural choice to speak on behalf of all electric cooperatives. His achievements were recognized with his induction into the Rural Political Action Committee Hall of Fame in 2002.

While he is a strong proponent of political action on behalf of cooperatives and rural people, he is equally devoted to improving the quality of life in his community and region. He works tirelessly to improve the economy, increase educational opportunities, bring essential services and add to the beauty of the area to increase tourism.  

On Feb. 29, 2012, southwest Missouri was hit by a devastating tornado that ripped through White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s service area, where Layne lives. He immediately took the role of liaison between the co-op and the city residents. Concern for community was his first priority, while his own business was secondary. He kept citizens informed about the co-op’s efforts and provided realistic expectations for power restoration. He communicated to White River where the greatest needs were in the hard-hit city. Afterwards, he personally delivered plaques and resolutions of commendation from White River to recognize individuals and businesses who showed kindnesses to the line workers during the long hours of restoration.

exemplary board and community service; unwavering commitment to cooperative principles; willingness to ask tough questions; effective cooperative spokesman and advocate through political action