Diane Griswold is the Vice President of Human Resources and has worked for Kootenai Electric Cooperative for 13 years.
KEC’s stellar reputation initially drew me in and speaking with KEC employees at that time heightened my interest.
In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho, I have obtained Human Resources (HR) certifications through the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management. Beyond formal education, life experiences have been a good teacher.
Each day at KEC is a fresh adventure. My responsibilities cover labor and employee relations, recruitment, retention, leadership development, performance management, safety, compensation, and benefits. Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and internal policies, I collaborate with other management team members to foster a culture aligned with KEC’s mission of providing exceptional service and dependable power at competitive rates. Along with the HR Administrator and Safety Director, we act as resources to all employees.
Among other things, I love the beauty, the seasons and the abundant recreational opportunities available, with a special appreciation for the many hiking trails and great skiing opportunities our area offers.
The current labor market presents challenges, such as fewer applicants for each open position. Finding the right candidate with the necessary skills and fit can take more time, influenced by supply and demand factors.
Rapid growth in the area and supply chain issues have caused KEC employees to be creative and proactive in securing materials for new construction, system improvement and maintenance. Workloads have been impacted as our employee body has grown and required time to train and adapt.
Beyond the technical qualifications required for each position, some competencies we prioritize include safety, teamwork/collaboration, communication, integrity, and accountability. These qualities contribute to our goal of maintaining a qualified, productive, and satisfied workforce.
In 2024, we will be updating the leadership development program aimed at fostering the skills and competencies needed to usher KEC into the future.
Collaborating with a dedicated team focused on meeting our members’ needs is among the best parts of my job. Being part of the exciting moments in employees’ lives, from hires to promotions, is truly a privilege. I enjoy helping others and seeing plans come to fruition.