Chief Executive Officer

Cass County Electric Cooperative

The Board of Directors of Cass County Electric Cooperative seeks a visionary leader with strong decision making and interpersonal skills to become the next CEO due to an upcoming retirement. The Cass County Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.

About Cass County Electric Cooperative

Incorporated in 1937, Cass County Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving 57,000 members with over 65,000 meters. Headquartered in the City of Fargo, the service territory includes portions of ten counties in southeast North Dakota. With annual revenue of $151 million, net plant of $245 million, 41 substations and over 5700 miles of distribution line, the cooperative is financially strong.  It has a compelling history of reliable electric service and stable rates.

Wholesale power is provided through membership in Minnkota Power Cooperative. Members of Cass County Electric have also enjoyed access to clean energy since 2008 with 34% of their power supply coming from wind energy and the implementation of Prairie Sun Community Solar. The cooperative is governed by an engaged 9-member board of directors and is active in local communities.

Cass County Electric’s membership profile is unique with over 26,000 members considered Urban Residential and more than 18,000 Apartment accounts. The cooperative continues to experience growth with the robust expansion of the Fargo metropolitan area. The City of Fargo, situated along the Red River boasts a strong job market, an affordable cost of living, a thriving arts & cultural scene along with top notch schools and medical facilities.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a member focused, electric utility leader who demonstrates the ability to effectively plan, organize and direct day to day operations while carrying out the strategic vision and mission of the cooperative.  Broad knowledge of electric utility functions, including engineering & operations, accounting & finance, and member services is required. Knowledge of power supply issues, especially in the current regulatory environment, is important. The successful candidate will ensure the cooperative safely delivers high-quality, reliable service while also maintaining a strong presence and community advocacy throughout the service territory.

Leadership Competencies

• Vision and Strategic Orientation: Communicates expectations, goals, and vision while providing clarity and promoting curiosity and excitement.
• Results Driven: Consistently demonstrates the ability to promote and generate cooperation between the Board of Directors and staff to achieve collective outcomes.
• Lead Change and Manage Risk: Ability to lead change and manage risk incorporating high levels of accountability across the organization.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Effective communicator with high interpersonal and relationship-building skills who can partner effectively with the Board, leadership team, and employees while supporting mutual understanding.
• Ability to Motivate and Positively Influence Others: Motivates others towards an outcome consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Commitment to Cooperative Values: Acts in ways that places Cass County Electric’s values and principles above personal needs.
• Integrity and Courage: Consistently conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner of the highest regard.
• Member Focus: Anticipates inquiries and is proactive - not reactive - to the needs and concerns of cooperative members.
• Strong Focus on Safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
• Understanding of Distribution Cooperatives: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the operations of an electric cooperative to include an understanding of financial metrics and budgeting.
• Understanding of Power Supply Issues: Demonstrates an understanding of power supply issues to include power generation basics, wholesale power rate development and the relationship between the G&T and its member cooperatives.

Experience and Expertise

• At least 5 years of broad electric utility experience preferred. Electric cooperative, public power district or municipal electric experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Engineering, Business Management or Accounting) preferred.
• Advanced degree and/or NRECA Management Internship Program (MIP) participation are a plus.
• At least 5 years of responsible management experience is strongly preferred.
• CEO experience preferred, but not required.
• Must demonstrate a willingness to be personally engaged in the community.

The successful candidate must reside on the cooperative’s lines and become a member within a reasonable period.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Our Locations

In addition to the Fargo headquarters, the cooperative has service centers in Fargo, Kindred, Arthur, Lisbon and Valley City, North Dakota.

Our Benefits

We are committed to providing an attractive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, business travel, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Our retirement package includes the NRECA Retirement & Security Pension Plan as well as a 401(k) plan with a company match.

Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cass County Electric Cooperative is an EEO provider and 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 considered in any employment decision.

How to Apply

If interested, the application is available at https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/5nZOpH9iN5/Cass-County-Electric-Cooperative

Applications must be received by December 22, 2023, and are required to include the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information for three professional references. If you have any questions, please contact Bobbi Kilmer, NRECA Executive Search, 570-332-9280 or Bobbi.Kilmer-contractor@nreca.coop.

All replies are confidential.