Before he was keeping members informed about the issues that matter most to them, Christian Morgan was delivering a different kind of update: the daily forecast.

For more than a decade, Morgan built his career in television news and radio, where he could be found either on air or over the radio airwaves, tracking storm systems, breaking down cold fronts and helping viewers and listeners prepare for whatever the day might bring. He earned their trust by translating complex information into clear, timely updates people could count on.

That same commitment to transparency and education continues today in his role as Public Relations Manager at Randolph Electric Membership Corporation (EMC).

“One thing I’ve learned early on is that as a co-op, the way we operate is by always answering the why and giving members a transparent look into what we do,” said Morgan. “We want members to be in the know, especially when it comes to storms and severe weather. That’s where I’m able to translate my knowledge and experience into communication that truly helps them.”

Prepared year-round

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are always prepared for the elements, especially in a state that stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast. This diverse landscape requires preparation for snow, hurricanes and everything in between.

That’s why the cooperatives work year-round to make sure not only their systems, but also members are prepared well before a storm arrives. For Morgan, he’s used his experience forecasting on air to help build communications plans that keep members informed before, during and after the storm.  

“Recently, we had the potential for some significant icing, and ahead of that we were able to do a storm preparation video, along with taking members behind the scenes to show them what we are doing to serve them,” said Morgan. “Having that open line of communication with our members is what we always want. Everything we do is tied to what a co-op is all about, connecting our members and connecting our community.”

March 1-7 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina, a time to encourage people to have a safety plan in place before severe weather strikes. For Morgan, he says that doing a little extra prep to make sure you and your loved ones are safe can go a long  way.

“It’s better to be prepared and not need it than to need it and not have it,” said Morgan. “Coming from the news world, I want to serve as a reliable source people can trust, avoiding so much of the speculation we often see on social media. I want to help raise awareness, encourage folks to review their preparation plans, make sure they have the essential items and feel confident they have the information they need.”

Local roots

The mission to serve members in Randolph EMC’s service territory is deeply personal for Morgan as it’s his home and the place he grew up. He said he wanted to join the cooperative because of their dedication to the community.

“It’s nice to work and live in the area I grew up,” said Morgan. “A lot of these folks and a lot of our members that I see and interact with every day, I’ve known for awhile.”

While his work is rooted in energy, Morgan hasn’t left his news background behind. He continues to provide daily weather updates on social media, keeping members informed as conditions develop. On top of his work in communications, Morgan also goes out with energy auditors and helps members understand their bills and energy usage.

His knack for storytelling hasn’t faded, he’s simply telling new kinds of stories.

“The cooperatives have a remarkable story to tell, serving these rural communities,” said Morgan. “Each of our members, whether they’re a homeowner or a business owner, they all have a story to tell and they’re all worth telling.”