A strong bond with electric cooperatives
In both his life and work, Gudger remains committed to opening doors — not just for himself but for others who will follow. One opportunity lies in addressing the energy needs of Alabama’s electric cooperatives, an issue Gudger views as vital to the state’s future.
“The whole legislature recognizes how crucial energy generation is to Alabama’s future — whether it’s for industrial recruitment, households, or general contracting,” Gudger says. “It’s especially vital in my area of north Alabama, where we need as much capacity as possible. Without it, we won’t grow.”
He is proud of his strong relationship with Cullman Electric Cooperative and its CEO, Tim Culpepper. “We’ve always supported each other,” he explains. “When Tim became CEO, he brought me under his wing and showed me how the co-op operates and how their board functions. Anytime I’ve needed them, they’ve been there for me, and I’ve been there for them.”
The cooperative model has left a lasting impression on Gudger. “Understanding how a co-op functions throughout the whole county was eye-opening for me,” he says. “I appreciate that model — when people need something, they know they’re part of the family of co-ops. I’m proud to be a friend of the co-ops and to help them continue to grow and serve our communities.”
