About Us
The Co-op Innovation Network empowers rural electric cooperative leaders and partners to accelerate innovation, share transformative ideas, and collaborate - advancing solutions that strengthen communities and the members they serve.
Meet the Team
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Ted Compton, Co-Director
Ted Compton grew up on a cattle ranch in Southwest Colorado. After graduating high school, Ted won admission to Stanford University and graduated with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Product Design.
Ted decided to return home to his small hometown of Durango to give back. There, he built a three decade career as a mechanical and infrastructure engineer, contributing to large projects in water and oil and gas management. He served on public boards including local broadband development and open space and agriculture conservation, and was appointed to service with Colorado’s Advanced Industry Grants Program.
In 2023, Ted became President of the Board of his home electric cooperative and is now helping local co-op members save millions by diversifying their energy supply, building renewable energy and storage options, and bringing energy efficiency solutions to working families.
Ted enjoys skiing and whitewater rafting with his wife and daughter. His family ranch is now home to a new herd of bison. -

Alison Miles, Co-Director
Alison Miles grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She earned undergraduate degrees in English and Philosophy and went on to complete master’s degrees in English and Business Administration.
Alison began her career in telecommunications, focusing on customer service, before joining an electric cooperative just north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. She ultimately served as Vice President of Members, overseeing member engagement, metering, economic development, and the cooperative’s charitable foundation.
In 2025, Alison became Co-Director of the Co-op Innovation Network. She now leads efforts to expand national resources for cooperatives, including the development of the Policy Playbook, building staff engagement programs, and strengthening a nationwide network of cooperative leaders. Her work is rooted in a mission-driven commitment to maximize the impact of cooperatives for their members and communities.
Alison lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and children. She enjoys reading, board games, great food, and time outdoors.
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Kenzley Defler, Program Assistant
Kenzley was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and currently resides in the panhandle of Florida. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability.
Upon graduating, Kenzley worked with the Peace Corps in Tanzania and then served various nonprofit organizations through the AmeriCorps VISTA program in Fairbanks, Alaska. While living in Fairbanks, Kenzley became an active member at the local electric cooperative and was inspired by the cooperative principles and community engagement practiced by co-ops throughout the state. In addition to her work with CIN, Kenzley works at Solar United Neighbors where she focuses on organizing and advocacy for rooftop solar and energy democracy.
Outside of work, Kenzley enjoys running, biking, and playing board games with her husband and friends.