Assisting the mapping department in maintaining and updating the geographical information system (GIS) is the primary focus for Trevor Hendrix, Okefenoke REMC’s new GIS/IT Technician. Hendrix will play a critical role in OREMC’s Information Technology Division, auditing and recording workflow adjustments from staking design to construction in the field, then mapping the co-op’s real-time system accordingly.

“Whether it’s mapping new services, retirements, lights or temporary services, there’s a lot of data that must be reconciled on multiple mapping platforms in order to maintain our system’s mapping integrity,” explains OREMC’s Information Technology Manager Tony Rowell.  “At some point in the process, Trevor will handle most jobs within our cooperative workflow process. Process improvements will promote system efficiencies and enhance timeliness in job closure rates. This in in turn will lead to better customer service operationally and in response to consumer-member inquiries.”

Prior to OREMC, Hendrix earned his associate degree in information technology from Athens Technical College (ATC) and had been working at his father’s business Hendrix Air. Initially he worked in the field doing repairs and installations, but more recently had been handling data entry and IT support for the business. Hendrix says he aspired to a more technical position when he saw the job posting at OREMC.

“Technology has always been an interest of mine,” notes Hendrix. “Originally I thought I would pursue a career in video game design. When I’m not eating, sleeping or working I’m playing games, but as I took more classes at ATC, I realized I was interested in more than just programming and design. This position allows me to utilize my technological skills as I work on the mapping and learn more about the electrical grid and our network communications.”

Growing up in Hickox, Hendrix graduated from Brantley County High School. While he is a new employee, he is not unfamiliar with the co-op—his grandparents, Linda and Alton Morgan, both worked and retired from OREMC.