Chief Executive Officer
East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Okmulgee, OK
The Board of Trustees of East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (East Central Electric) in Okmulgee, OK seeks a member-focused electric utility leader with exceptional interpersonal communications skills and an understanding of Broadband operations to serve as their next CEO due to an upcoming retirement. The East Central Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.
About East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution utility headquartered in Okmulgee, OK. With 106 full-time electric employees, the Cooperative serves over 37,000 electric meters (26,703 members) with more than 6,400 miles of line across nine counties covering 3,000 square miles. In addition, through ecoLINK, its wholly owned subsidiary, East Central Electric has connected 18,398 customers with high-speed broadband in rural Oklahoma.
The Cooperative recently reported a total operating revenue budget of $90.7 million and a total utility plant of $360 million. East Central receives its wholesale power from KAMO Power in Vinita, OK and Western Farmers Electric in Anadarko, OK, both provide power and emergency response communications.
Reporting to a 7-member Board of Trustees, the East Central Electric CEO is responsible for carrying out the strategic vision of the district that is set by the board.
37,000 meters | 106 employees | $90.7 million operating revenues
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader that understands distribution utilities, has a strong safety focus and an understanding of financial matters as it relates to electric cooperatives. In addition, such a candidate will possess the following competencies.
Leadership Competencies
- Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally: Listens, relates and expresses oneself in a manner that is effective while supporting mutual understanding.
- Commitment to talent development, acquisition, and retention: Develops and empowers staff to achieve results by championing and applying a systematic performance management process & coaching strategy.
- Ability to motivate and positively influence others: Motivates others towards an outcome consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
- Relationship and Team Building experience: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams.
- Ability to lead change and manage risk: Identifies and actively manages change and risk throughout the organization.
- Analytical Thinking and Decision making: Thinks systematically, conceptually, and analytically to determine effective solutions that will enable the co-op to achieve desired goals
- Member Focus: Pro-actively focuses self and the cooperative on the needs of members
- Integrity and Courage: Makes decisions and acts consistently with values, professional standards, and the broader interests of the cooperative.
Experience and Expertise
Candidates are expected to meet the following qualifications as preferred by the Board of Trustees.
- A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of experience and expertise.
- Education or Experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering or Business.
- At least 6 years of leadership experience.
- At least 6 years of electric utility experience.
- MIP graduate or an MBA is a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to community and an understanding of cooperative values will set you apart!
Our Location
Picture yourself thriving in a state where every weekend offers a new outdoor adventure, family-friendly festival, or live entertainment. East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative serves a large swath of Oklahoma’s Green Country, known for its expansive lakes, rolling green hills, and proximity to vibrant city life. Our service area includes some of the fastest growing cities in Oklahoma as well as quaint small towns full of charm and history. With highly rated public schools, renowned colleges and universities, and a thriving arts culture, there are many opportunities for children to learn and grow.
Our area is centrally located and well connected to the rest of the country with easy access to Tulsa International Airport and Major US Interstates and State Highways. Our pristine lakes and rivers offer fishing, boating, camping, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From Route 66 to Native American Heritage Sites, and a strong Western tradition, our service area has a rich legacy and unique flavor that can’t be beat.
Our Benefits
We provide a benefits package that includes:
- Generous NRECA medical plan
- Optional dental and vision insurance
- NRECA Retirement and Security Plan (R&S)
- Life Insurance, HSA (125 Plan), Tuition Assistance
- Vacation, Sick Leave and 10 paid holidays
- Monthly contribution to the employee’s 401(k)
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer. Race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by Federal, State or Local law are not taken into account in any employment decision. Learn more about us at https://www.ecoec.com/
How to Apply
If interested, please apply at https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/kk7HGkGUM4/East-Central-Oklahoma-EC-CEO with the following: 1) Cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information (including emails) for 3 professional references. Applications must be received by September 17, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Taylor, NRECA Executive Search, leigh.taylor@nreca.coop.
All replies are confidential.