Posted: 14-Jan-26
Location: El Campo, Texas
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Required Education:
Chief Executive Officer
Wharton County Electric Cooperative
The Board of Directors of Wharton County Electric Cooperative (WCEC) seeks a results driven leader with the ability to lead change while engaging and developing a strong leadership team to become the next CEO due to an upcoming retirement. The WCEC Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.
About Wharton County Electric Cooperative
Incorporated in 1938 and located in El Campo, TX, WCEC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving 4,126 members with more than 6,600 meters. The 840 square mile territory serves portions of four counties in the Coastal Plains region of Southeast Texas. With annual revenue of $27 million, net plant of $68 million, and over 1,270 miles of distribution line, the cooperative is financially strong, serving loads of which are 85% residential and 15% commercial.
In addition to providing electric service, WCEC offers wireless internet service to its members, further supporting connectivity and economic development in the communities it serves.
With 33 full-time employees, WCEC operates with a vision of providing economical and reliable electric energy service to its members and providing products, services, and leadership that will have a positive influence on the economy of the area it serves.
The CEO of WCEC 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. Responsible for creating an environment that encourages teambuilding and a cohesive work environment between the Board, management, and employees, the CEO directs WCEC’s day-to-day operations and activities, ensuring that the business of the cooperative is conducted in accordance with WCEC’s bylaws, policies, strategic plans, and business objectives.
In addition, the CEO serves on the boards of South Texas Electric Cooperative and San Miguel Electric Cooperative.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a well-rounded leader who will focus on developing and executing the business strategy of the cooperative while focusing on the best interest of the members of WCEC. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the cooperative delivers high-quality reliable service to the membership while also ensuring WCEC has a strong presence and advocacy in the communities it serves.
Leadership Competencies
- Lead Change and Manage Risk: Ability to lead change and manage risk incorporating high levels of accountability across the organization.
- Results Driven: Consistently demonstrates ability to promote and generate cooperation between the Board of Directors and staff to achieve collective outcomes.
- Strong Focus on Safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
- Ability and Want to Develop Others: Demonstrates a commitment to employee growth and development; mentors and coaches direct reports while promoting on-going two-way feedback for all levels of staffing.
- Respect and Appreciation: Respectfully interact with different individuals and groups, being mindful of the lasting impacts of words and actions.
- Commitment to Cooperative Values: Acts in ways that puts the organization's values and principals above one’s own personal needs.
- Member Focus: Anticipates inquiries and is proactive - not reactive - to the needs and concerns of cooperative members
- Analytical Thinking and Decision Making: Innovative and hands-on leader who thinks like an owner of the business, using fact-based decision-making process supported by data and sound decision methodology.
- Relationship and Team Building Experience: Create trust through open communications and mutual understanding leading to better collaboration, motivation, and problem solving.
- Integrity and Courage: Consistently conducts themselves in a professional and ethical manner of the highest regard.
- Vision and Strategic Orientation: Communicates expectations, goals, and vision while providing clarity and promoting curiosity and excitement.
- Strong Focus on Financial Issues: Fluent with financial metrics and have a detailed understanding of the key financial opportunities as well as financial risks and budget process.
Experience and Expertise
- Bachelor’s Degree is required; an advanced degree such as an MBA, is a plus
- NRECA Management Internship Program (MIP) graduate not required but preferred
- Education or experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering, Business or Operations is preferred
- 5 years of management and leadership experience is required
- At least 5 years of electric utility experience is a plus
- Electric cooperative experience will set you apart from other candidates
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Our Location
WCEC has its office in El Campo, TX. El Campo offers an outstanding quality of life that blends small town charm with convenient access to metropolitan areas. It is located 65 miles from Houston and 55 miles from Victoria on US 59 in Wharton County TX. The CEO will work out of the El Campo office and must live within 30 minutes of the office.
Our Benefits
We are committed to providing our executives and our employees with an attractive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, business travel, long-term disability, short-term disability, paid holidays, and personal time off.
Our retirement package is highly competitive and includes a Traditional Pension Plan AND a 401 (k) with a Company match.
Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wharton County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 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.mywcec.coop/
How to Apply
If interested, please apply at https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/7sOxSKnmCc/Wharton-County-Electric-Cooperative-CEO with the following: 1) Cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information (including emails) for 3 professional references. Applications must be received by February 20, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Meyers, NRECA Executive Search, 405-641-8387 or chris.meyers-contractor@nreca.coop. All replies are confidential.