Indiana Electric Cooperatives promoted Chris Gearld to director of safety, training, and workforce development.
In this role, he will provide strategic leadership and vision for IEC’s safety, training, and risk mitigation programs. He will oversee the development, modernization, and delivery of high-quality training, apprenticeship, and safety initiatives that support the long-term operational and workforce needs of Indiana’s electric cooperatives.
“We are proud to have Chris leading our safety team,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “The depth of his industry expertise, combined with his ability to continually raise the bar, makes him a trusted advisor and resource for our member cooperatives. Chris is highly respected across the industry, and we have full confidence in his leadership as he continues to strengthen safety outcomes for our members.”
“Chris is uniquely gifted at building relationships and connecting with people at every level,” said Michael Craciunoiu, vice president of safety, training and workforce development. “He has a strong ability to listen, understand challenges, and bring out the best in those around him. His leadership will play a key role in the continued modernization of our safety, training, and risk mitigation programs, while ensuring our cooperatives feel supported and prepared.”
Before joining IEC in 2021 as a safety and risk management instructor, he worked in safety roles at Hendricks Power Cooperative and South Central Indiana REMC. He was also a journeyman lineman at Hendricks Power Cooperative.
Gearld earned an associate in applied science degree in line technology from Ivy Tech Community College and is a graduate of the Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP). He earned his Certified Loss Control Professional designation, is a certified forklift instructor, and has earned his OSHA 10- and 30-hour certifications. He holds the NRECA supervisory certification, has completed an NRECA advanced loss control internship, and is a certified CPR and first aid instructor.