Meet Ali, the mojo behind our mission

Starting as an intern after her second year of law school at the University of Missouri, Ali joined the cooperative full time in 2017 as an associate attorney, advancing to corporate attorney. “I wanted to practice law. It’s an interesting way to build a skill set but also learn new things constantly. With every case or contract, you have to become an expert in a new set of facts,” she said.

Her work includes commercial contracts, employment practices, COVID pandemic, real property, environmental compliance and more. She recently was part of a team that received the peer-nominated Excel Innovative Action award for a new, win-win approach on a large maintenance contract.

She also likes her client, AECI, and its mission to serve members. “My client is the best I could have, and we help to make good decisions on behalf of the members and serve a very specific set of values. You don’t get that good of a client in private practice all the time.”

“It’s a great gig. I tell people all the time. … We pay competitively, have good work/life balance, and you get to work on cool, interesting stuff. I feel very fortunate to work here.”

Our executive division, which encompasses the CEO/general manager, the legal, compliance and audit services departments, works with others throughout the cooperative to ensure Associated is a leader in its industry and in its service to member-owners.

In addition to the strategic business plan set by the CEO/general manager, responsibilities include communicating and collaborating with the Associated board of directors to meet the power needs of member-owners while ensuring strategic goals and state and federal compliance issues are followed and met. Additionally, operating the cooperative in accordance with state and federal regulations is a top priority for the cooperative.

The division generally consists of professionals with specialty degrees, including business management, law and finance, and those who possess management skills and expertise within the utility and regulatory environments.

Legal department

Our legal department provides legal counsel, compliance monitoring and representation for Associated in business affairs affecting the cooperative. Its function includes protecting Associated’s legal rights, furthering the business goals of the cooperative, and ensuring operations are carried out in accordance with current laws and regulations. Associated is committed to being a leader in its industry and in compliance with pertinent regulations.

Compliance department

The compliance department ensures that Associated is aware of and in compliance with requirements relating to North American Electric Reliability Corp. standards. In addition, this department manages the compliance regulatory requirements relating to information services.

Audit services

Audit services is primarily responsible for all activities surrounding operational and contractual audits at Associated and member locations. This division provides strategic leadership for the cooperative and partners with divisions to ensure compliance regarding standards, contracts, state and federal laws, and continuing improvement.