We are excited to welcome Apryl McClaine to the Paulding Putnam team as a Dispatcher! She will dispatch crews to outages, communicate with linemen and broadband technicians, and ensure everyone gets to and from their work sites safely.
Here’s a Q&A to help everyone get to know the newest member of the Paulding Putnam family!
Tell us a bit about your life, family, and where you’re from.
“I currently live in Bryan. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Eric, for 20 years this June. Together, we have three children: Olivia, who just graduated from high school, and two younger boys, Eastyn and Elijah. Our family also includes two labs, Jojo, my sweet senior, who is still very much my baby, and Maverick, who is mischievous and full of energy. We also have a feisty bunny named Willow. My husband and I are both firefighters/EMT’s for the City of Bryan, and I also dispatch, part-time, for the City’s Police and Fire Department.”
Why did you want to work at Paulding Putnam?
“I wanted a career that would challenge me to learn a new industry while allowing me to build upon the communications, problem-solving, and customer service skills I developed during my years in public safety. After seeing the Dispatcher job posting at Paulding Putnam, I felt this was the perfect opportunity for me to do all of those things. I have truly enjoyed my time working here so far, everyone is so kind.” 
Can you tell us about your former work history and background?
“Public safety has been a central part of my career. I worked for 14 years at the Williams County 911 and Emergency Management office serving in various roles including, 911 dispatcher, coordinator, EMA Deputy Director, and Director of 911 and Emergency Management. Prior to that I worked in Banking."
What sorts of tasks will you be doing here at the co-op?
“I will be doing Dispatching.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I am looking forward to learning more about the power and fiber industry.” 
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
“Outside of work I enjoy staying active with my friends and family through walking, running, strength training, and Zumba. I spend a lot of my free time cheering on my boys in their various sports. I also enjoy traveling and working my various part time jobs."
A fun fact about you?
“I’m naturally curious and have a love for learning. Whenever I have the opportunity to take a class, attend training or develop a new skill, I embrace it. Over the years, I have earned several certifications and licenses, driven not by necessity, but a desire to continuously grow both personally and professionally. Lifelong learning is something I value deeply, and one of my future goals is to return to college and earn my master’s degree when the opportunity arises.”
A favorite quote or motto you live by?
“The moment you change ‘I have to’ into ‘I get to,’ you shift from seeing burdens to recognizing blessings. Shifting your words pulls you out of frustration and grounds you in gratitude by reminding you that not everyone has the ability or resources to do what you are able to do.”
Please join us in welcoming Apryl to the Paulding Putnam family!