Working at a cooperative fits Gibson Electric Engineering Assistant Sandy Collins to a T.

“She is the epitome of the word [cooperative],” said Emily Sullivan, a longtime friend and former colleague.

Collins was recently honored – and surprised – with the Administrative Professional of the Year Award at the Greater Gibson County Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Administrative Professionals’ Luncheon.

“I didn’t know I was nominated,” Collins said. “I was just there for the fellowship. [The award] was a total surprise.”

Sullivan, who retired from Gibson Electric in 2023, nominated Collins for the award and described her as a “smart and versatile team player” with “such a sweet and humble spirit.”

Collins joined Gibson Electric as a dispatcher in 1989 and moved to a member service representative position a year later. After 17 years in member services, she was promoted to engineering assistant. She is celebrating her 36^th work anniversary this month.

Collins’ job requires collaboration and cooperation. She works closely with Gibson Electric engineers and lineworkers to manage job prints and ensure crews have what they need to complete each project.

“I love working with the crews and the engineers,” Collins said. “I enjoy helping people.”

A native of Rutherford and a Gibson County High School alumna, Collins discovered she had a talent for and enjoyed clerical work while attending vocational-technical school at Newbern. She worked six years in manufacturing before getting her shot at Gibson Electric.

“I’ve felt comfortable here since the day I started,” she said. “This has been a good, stable job, and the many friendships have kept me here.”

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, father, three children and six grandchildren. She is an active member of Salem Baptist Church in Trenton and lives in Dyer.

“Sandy is one of those people who makes everything run more smoothly,” said Gibson Electric Vice President of Engineering and Operations Barry Smith. “We rely on her support, organization and steady presence to keep our team on track. Her recognition as the chamber’s administrative professional of the year is well deserved.”