Missouri Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, who represents northeast Missouri, was honored with the Cooperative Champion Award by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) at that organization’s State Legislative Conference on Feb. 5 in Jefferson City.

The Cooperative Champion Award stands as a shining tribute to the heroes of electric cooperatives – individuals who ardently champion cooperative values and tirelessly strive to better rural Missouri. This distinguished award is crafted to honor those visionaries who dedicate themselves to shaping a sustainable and reliable energy future. This award celebrates the unwavering commitment of electric cooperative champions who embody our core values, demonstrate exceptional leadership and are committed to cooperative principles.

 Senator O’Laughlin was elected in 2018 and again in 2022 to serve in the Missouri Senate. In 2022, she was elected by her peers to serve as the Majority Floor Leader, the first female to hold this position in state history.

In addition to her public service, Senator O’Laughlin is the former co-owner of Leo O’Laughlin, Inc., a trucking company and ready-mix concrete business. She has served as a school bus driver, an administrator at a local Christian school and as a member of her local school board. She previously served as chair of the Senate Education Committee and remains a strong advocate for school choice in Missouri. She grew up on a farm and spent much of her childhood around horses, livestock auctions and corn fields. Today, she’s the proud owner of several dogs, including Basset Hounds, as well as several rescue dogs. A current resident of Shelbina, Senator O’Laughlin has four sons, a foster daughter and seven grandchildren. She is a 1978 graduate of the University of Missouri.

“As we bestow the Cooperative Champion Award, we celebrate the collaborative spirit Cindy O’Laughlin embodies,” says Caleb Jones, executive vice president and CEO of AMEC. “Her dedication serves as a beacon, guiding electric cooperatives toward a future where sustainable, affordable, and member-focused energy solutions thrive.”

The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Jefferson City, is the statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives.