Email: lsanders@hilco.coop

Lea Sanders has worked in the electric utility industry since 2000 and with HILCO Electric Cooperative for over 20 years. She has served in a variety of capacities with HILCO and is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, she is responsible for all aspects of talent management including recruitment, training and development, and benefits administration. Additionally, she is responsible for strategic initiatives of the cooperative and its subsidiary, HILCO United Services, Inc.

Lea graduated Texas A&M University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and in 1997, she received her Master of Business Administration in Management from the University of North Texas. In 2001, Lea obtained her Professional Human Resources designation and in 2009, advanced the certification to a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Additionally, she holds the designations of Certified SHRM-SCP from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional from the College for Financial Planning – Kaplan, Certified Key Account Executive from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and NRECA’s Supervisory Certification.

In her spare time, Lea enjoys volunteering and is active in her community. She has worked with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event in various positions including Chairman of the Hill County Relay For Life event. She is a past president of the Hill County Aggie Mothers’ Club, has served as Muster Chair and is currently serving for a second time as President of the Hill County A&M Club. She is a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, serving on the Hill County Go Texan Committee as the Ambassador/County Chair for the committee. Active in the Hillsboro Lions Club since 2002, Lea has held several offices including President and has been awarded Lion of the Year and Hill County Citizen of the Year. Her past work with the Child Protective Services Board resulted in her receiving the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards Volunteer of the Year award.