Purpose

The President and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Cooperative.  This position works in conjunction with the Board of Directors to determine and establish strategic direction and operational policies of the Cooperative.  The Board of Directors delegates authority and responsibility to the President and CEO for planning, organizing, administering, and controlling the operations of the Cooperative.  The President and CEO is responsible and accountable to the Board of Directors for directing the Cooperative in an effective and efficient manner to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization and for ultimately providing reliable, excellent electric service at the lowest practical cost to the membership

Education

Required: B.A. or B.S college degree

Preferred: Advanced degree such as an MBA

Experience

Required: Minimum of ten years of management experience required – preferably from the electric utility field.

Preferred: Minimum of five years of senior level management experience required – preferably from the electric utility field. Knowledge and experience of electric distribution utility operations, financial management, regulations/laws governing utilities, and experience with state and federal regulatory agencies.

License, Special Training, and Certifications

• Must be skilled in leadership and have the ability to interact positively and effectively with employees.
• Must be a skilled communicator, both oral and writing, and have the ability to interact positively and effectively with members, the board of directors, employees, and others.
• Organizational, strategic-thinking skills, and sound judgment are required.
• Working in partnership with community leaders and organizations is required.
• Must be of excellent character and provide leadership by example.
• Must be committed to cooperative business principles.

Duties & Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each specification satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

• Works with the Board of Directors to establish the corporate culture, strategic plans, philosophy, goals, and objectives to ensure that the Cooperative is a progressive and leading cooperative within the area, state, and nation.
• Ensures that the Cooperative’s activities and operations are conducted in accordance with the bylaws, policies, mission, and goals established by the Board of Directors.  Ensures that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
• Continuously promotes performance improvement throughout the Cooperative.  Encourages and motivates employees to constantly seek improvements, simplify processes, and raise performance of the organization while effectively managing costs.
• Maintains accessibility to all employees and members to bring about effective communication of the vision of the Cooperative, its mission, and goals.  Works with all parties to develop alignment with the Cooperative’s strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
• Organizes and allocates corporate resources for attainment of goals and objectives consistent with the Cooperative’s mission, vision, and strategic plans.  Establishes appropriate control mechanisms and management systems for personnel, facilities, supplies, equipment, inventory, etc. 
• Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors new or updated policies that reduce risk, improve operations, and provide good control.
• Oversees the development of short and long-term plans.  Works with the staff to complete electrical distribution system studies, engineering work plans, long-term loan applications, power requirements studies, load forecasts, financial forecasts, energy management programs, member and public relations, facility plans, etc.
• Formulates, with the staff, annual work plans and budgets for the Cooperative and recommends to the Board of Directors.  Is responsible for insuring compliance with plans and budgets, and reports progress to the Board on a regular basis.
• Continually monitors the Cooperative’s costs and revenue requirements, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the level of rates, rate design and structure, and periodic adjustments to ensure the financial integrity of the Cooperative.
• Determines and is responsible for the organizational structure of the Cooperative, the appropriate number of positions, additions, transfers, and reductions in personnel.
• Responsible for the overall administration of the wage and benefit plans, and for recommending periodic adjustments to such plans to the Board for approval. 
• Encourages continual learning and training for the Board and employees.  Sees that the employees receive the proper education and training for their jobs, and promotes cross-training and succession planning within the organization.  Provides the Board with opportunities for training and continued education that will enhance their ability to carry out their responsibilities.
• Serves as President on the board of the Cooperative’s Propane subsidiary company.  Is responsible for ensuring that the activities of the subsidiary company are congruent with the philosophy, goals, and objectives set by the Cooperative.
• Stays actively involved with community leaders and local political representatives in the promotion of issues of concern to the communities and the Cooperative.  Maintains visibility in the communities while positively promoting the mission and vision of the Cooperative.  Works with state and federal political representatives, as well as regulatory agencies, on issues of concern to the Cooperative.
• Responsible for establishing and ensuring a safe working environment and culture within the organization.
• Plans, in conjunction with the Board, the annual membership meeting.  Works with staff to carry out the meeting in compliance with the Cooperative’s bylaws. 
• Participates on various boards such as East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, community and charitable organizations, to represent the Cooperative’s interests.
• Stays informed of national and industry trends, and interprets them in terms of desirable developments, expansion, or competitive needs of the Cooperative.  Recommends opportunities to the Board of Directors.

Please email a cover letter and resume to coswald@tkolegal.com by midnight on June 3, 2025. Enter "Jackson Energy - President & CEO" in Subject Line. 

About Jackson Energy Cooperative

Jackson Energy Cooperative serves over 51,000 members and maintains over 5,700 miles of line. The cooperative's mission is to improve the quality of life for our members in southeastern Kentucky

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