WEC’s Bethany Retherford honored as model young professional
Ambition, connection and excellence are attributes that forge outstanding business leaders. Dothan Area Young Professionals, or DAYP, celebrates these qualities in the distinguished professionals it honors through its annual 20 Under 40 program.
This year, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s own Bethany Retherford, human resource and compliance manager, was chosen as a top 20 finalist for her numerous professional, civic and personal accomplishments while working and living in the Wiregrass area.
“I am extremely humbled to be included in this group of such talented peers,” Retherford says. “It is not just me as an individual being recognized, but Wiregrass Electric as well. I am blessed to work for a company that sees so much value in employee development, both personally and professionally. I would not be where I am today without the opportunities I have been afforded by WEC to grow as a leader. One of the 7 Cooperative Principles is Concern For Community and I am thankful for leadership that has given me the freedom to serve our community in ways that are important to me.”
In her current role, Retherford is responsible for programs and policies related to employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, safety and wellness. She holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Troy University and is a graduate of both the Leadership Dothan and Alabama Leadership Initiative programs.
Retherford has served on Southeast Alabama Works’ executive council since 2015 and currently holds the title of chairman. In addition, she’s a member of the Region 6 Local Area Workforce Development Board, recently serving as chairman. This past year, she was appointed to the Alabama Workforce Development Board and helps plan the annual Southeast Worlds of Work career experience. She is also a member of Junior League of the Wiregrass and co-chair of its scholarship committee.
The WEC administration appreciates Retherford’s contributions to the co-op since she started over 10 years ago and believes she has earned the recognition.
“She met the criteria. She’s level- headed, professional, wise and she’s just a really good person ethically and morally. She’s someone I and other staff members trust and bounce ideas off of and she has really sound judgment,” Brad Kimbro, WEC’s chief operating officer, says. “She’s a model of what a young professional should be as much as anyone I know. There was a lot of competition this year, but Bethany earned her spot. ”
Established by DAYP in 2018, under the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s umbrella, the 20 Under 40 program aims to inspire entrepreneurial spirit, personal integrity and community leadership.
“Each of the 20 honorees hold numerous accolades and possess attributes that embody the mission of the 20 Under 40 program,” DAYP Chairman Martin Everett says. “They have demonstrated not only excellence in their workplace, but also in the areas of philanthropy and humanitarianism that have earned them the distinction of being one of DAYP’s 20 Under 40.”
To learn more about DAYP and the 20 Under 40 program, contact the Dothan Chamber at (334) 792-5138 or visit the Dothan Area Young Professionals website.