TRAVERSE CITY — Cherryland Electric Cooperative Chief Executive Officer Rachel Johnson has received the 2026 J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award, the cooperative announced.
The award is presented by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and recognizes one electric cooperative chief executive each year for a commitment to clear communication and staying connected to members and communities, according to the release.
Cherryland said Johnson is the first woman to receive the award.
Johnson has served as Cherryland’s chief executive since 2023. The cooperative said her leadership has emphasized transparency, authenticity and two-way communication, including regular updates to members and engagement with the community and employees.
Cherryland said Johnson co-developed the Member Loyalty Index, a tool used by electric cooperatives nationally to better understand and serve members. The cooperative also said she created a strategic communications course and has helped educate hundreds of cooperative leaders nationwide through it.
Cherryland said Johnson’s focus remains keeping members informed, listening to feedback and helping the cooperative navigate an evolving energy landscape.