Chief Executive Officer- Farmers' Electric Cooperative
NRECA Executive Search
Application
Details
Posted: 05-May-23
Location: Chillicothe, Missouri
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
Internal Number: ES 0440
Chief Executive Officer
Farmers’ Electric Cooperative
The Board of Directors of Farmers’ Electric Cooperative (FEC) in Chillicothe, MO seeks a well-rounded electric utility leader with solid interpersonal communication skills and the ability to positively motivate and develop others to become their next Chief Executive Officer. The FEC Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.
About Farmers’ Electric Cooperative
Incorporated in 1938, FEC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving 10,000 members with more than 13,000 meters. FEC serves portions of nine counties in north central Missouri. FEC has annual revenue of $32 million, net plant of $75 million, and over 3,700 miles of distribution line. The cooperative is financially strong and has consistently returned capital credits annually to its members.
FEC is a member of the N.W. Electric Power Cooperative (NW), which is a generation and transmission cooperative serving seven distribution cooperatives that serve more than 74,000 members in a 34-county region of northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa. NW is a member of the regional generation and transmission cooperative, Associated Electric Cooperative.
With 34 full time employees, FEC operates with a vision of being conscientious stewards and adopters of beneficial new ideas and technologies, with clear and open communication, to meet the competitive, political, and technological challenges of the industry.
The CEO of FEC provides leadership, advice, and assistance to the Board of Directors concerning industry changes, strategic planning, business objectives, and policy needs that will support the cooperative’s mission, vision, and values while providing effective guidelines for business operations now and in the future.
The CEO is responsible for creating an environment that encourages teambuilding and a cohesive work environment between the Board, management, and employees. Additionally, the CEO directs FEC’s day-to-day operations and activities, ensuring that the business of the cooperative is conducted in accordance with FEC’s bylaws, policies, strategic plans, and business objectives.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to safety, the membership, and FEC’s employees; and will have a strong understanding of financial issues.
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.
Relationship and teambuilding experience: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams.
Ability to motivate and positively influence others: Motivates others towards an outcome consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Vision and strategic orientation: Takes a broad scale, long-term view that focuses on the future needs of the organization and its members.
Ability to lead change and manage risk: Identifies and actively manages change and risk throughout the organization.
Member focus: Is proactive - not reactive - to the needs and concerns of the cooperative’s members.
Solid financial understanding of distribution utilities: Fluent with financial metrics and has a detailed understanding of the key financial opportunities, as well as financial risks, and budget processes.
Strong focus on safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
Experience and Expertise
Bachelor’s Degree is preferred; an MBA or other advanced degree will set you apart!
Education or Experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering or Business is preferred.
At least 5 years of leadership experience is required.
At least 5 years of electric utility experience is required.
Experience with labor relations and contract negotiation is a plus.
Our Location
The home of sliced bread, Chillicothe has a population of approximately 9,000 and has been the headquarters for FEC since 1953. Located in northern Missouri’s lush, rolling hills, Chillicothe lies in the heart of a rich agricultural section of the state and is the largest community in north central Missouri. Surrounding community members use Chillicothe as a place to do their local shopping, banking, see health care providers, watch the local wood bat league baseball team play, or eat at several locally owned restaurants. Livingston County's population is slightly in excess 15,000.
Chillicothe offers the advantages of small-town living combined with amenities that are typically found in larger areas including a local medical center which delivers high-quality health care. In addition to shopping and restaurants, the area has much to offer, ranging from art festivals to outdoor recreation at Crowder State Park. Chillicothe has an 18-hole public golf course, a water park, numerous tennis courts, ball parks, and a family YMCA facility. High quality education is available through several public elementary, middle, and high schools that are located in the area as well as through a parochial elementary school and a local technical school.
Chillicothe is only a 90-minute drive from Kansas City, Missouri where all the events, activities, shopping, and restaurants of a major metro area can be found. In addition, the west side of FEC service area takes you to “The Crossroads of the Nation”, Interstate 35 and US Highway 36, where travelers can quickly get to places like St Joseph, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; or Des Moines, Iowa.
It is preferred that the new CEO live within the service area of the cooperative, opening the opportunity for this individual to live in one of the surrounding communities, where the pace is a little slower, the neighbors a little farther apart, and the sunsets a little easier to witness.
Our Benefits
We provide an outstanding benefits package that includes a Traditional Pension Plan and a 401 (k) with Company Match, paid medical insurance and a portion of dependent coverage, life insurance, paid time off and holidays. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Farmers’ 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.fec-co.com/.
