From part-time MSR to project coordinator, Jackson’s career has evolved along with the co-op she serves

When Chelsi Jackson joined Henry County REMC in 2015, she was simply looking for a full-time job closer to home. She lived in Losantville and commuted to Muncie. A conversation with a family friend tipped her off to a part-time opening at Henry County REMC that might lead to something more permanent. She applied, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Jackson started as a part-time member service representative (MSR) and, within three months, transitioned to full-time. Over the years, she moved into accounting and HR, and later into a hybrid energy advisor/capital credits role. Today, she holds the title of project coordinator, an update she welcomed. “That’s much more reflective of the variety of responsibilities the role entails,” she confirmed. 

In her current position, no two days look quite the same. Since transitioning to the operations department in January, she monitors voltage variance across the system. She is working to develop a new process to track line loss at the substation level. Line loss refers to the small amount of electricity that’s lost as it travels through power lines — essentially the difference between how much electricity the co-op buys from its provider and how much is actually delivered to members. “We’ve historically tracked line loss across the whole system,” Jackson explained. “But now we’re working on being able to break that down by substation to see if certain areas experience higher line loss than others and find the root cause in those problem areas.” 

Beyond system data, she’s also heavily involved in events and outreach, from organizing the co-op’s first EV Car Show, 811/Positive Response training, and September Solar Seminar, to helping plan the Summer Cooperative Camp. She manages solar interconnection requests from members and oversees the rebate program through Hoosier Energy. And when needed, she still happily jumps in to support the member services team. “I fill in up front at least once or twice a week,” she said.  

As the co-op has grown and changed over the past decade, Jackson has witnessed a steady stream of technological advancements. “It’s been a big shift, and we just keep moving in that direction,” she said. She’s found these changes energizing, and says the tools now available have improved safety, reliability, and efficiency. 

Jackson’s professional development has kept pace with the organization’s growth. “This was my first full-time job, so I didn’t really know what a full-time job was like,” she admitted. With support from HCREMC’s tuition assistance program, she earned her associate degree in Business Administration in 2022. She also completed the IEC Leadership Edge program, the Certified Key Account Executive (CKAE©) Program, earned a Google Project Management certificate, and is currently finishing her final semester in a second associate degree focused on business operations and technology. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree with a project management specialization next. 

Her growing skill set has opened new doors. Jackson is particularly proud of the work she’s done in grant writing. “We didn’t get all the grants we applied for, but some of them were highly competitive,” she explained. “However, I did learn a lot along the way.” Still, she was thrilled to recently receive funding for the Summer Cooperative Camp program. “The extra funding will make a big difference in the students’ experience,” she said. 

Throughout her journey, she’s been guided by a few key mentors, including Melissa True, Amber Houser, Brandon Hall, and Adam Warwas. “I really try to learn something from everyone I talk to,” she said. “All of my managers have taught me something different and valuable.” 

Asked if she feels aligned with the co-op’s mission, Jackson answered without hesitation. “Yes! What I like most about working here is the ability to help people. Co-ops are very people-centric, whether it’s members, employees, or vendors. That’s important to me.” 

And if she could go back and give herself advice on her first day? “Be more organized,” she laughed. “I learned a lot of those lessons the hard way, just by not being properly organized. Nothing catastrophic happened,” she added quickly, with a smile, “but I’d also tell myself to slow down and not try to take on so much all at once.” 

Outside of work, Jackson enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, and the occasional nap when she can squeeze one in. She’s also an avid fan of Skyrim, a video game she still plays on her PlayStation 3, despite its age. “It’s like a 12-year-old game,” she admitted with amusement, “but I love it.” 

What does this 10-year milestone mean to her personally? “Well, I’ve been here for 10 years and that’s good!” she said warmly. “I don’t plan on going anywhere.” She’s also looking forward to the increased PTO that comes with the milestone, especially if it means a chance for more traveling.