KEPCo CEO Posting

The Kansas Electric Power Cooperative (KEPCo) Board of Trustees is actively searching for a dynamic, high-integrity, and innovative leader to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer. The preferred start date is January 2025.

The cooperative is searching for a CEO with exceptional leadership qualities, outstanding communication skills, and robust relationship-building abilities. The ideal candidate should have a strategic mindset and a solid commitment to fostering collaboration. The CEO will be responsible for cultivating an organizational culture that empowers KEPCo’s team to excel and consistently deliver exceptional service to its 16 electric distribution cooperative members.

It is vital that the CEO is firmly committed to ethics, safety, and KEPCo’s values, placing these principles at the heart of their leadership approach. Additionally, the CEO must embody self-awareness and a teamwork-oriented mindset.

KEPCo’s CEO will lead the cooperative in achieving excellence in organizational culture, safety, service, reliability, operations, and fiscal strength.  This collaborative effort requires strong leadership abilities to cultivate positive relationships with the board, executive committee and staff, distribution co-ops, regulatory agencies, legislators, business partners, the wider community, and other stakeholders.

About Kansas Electric Power Cooperative

KEPCo, a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, was established in 1975. Its mission is to procure an adequate and reliable power supply for its 16 electric distribution cooperative members at a reasonable cost.  These member cooperatives serve rural communities across the eastern two-thirds of Kansas, ensuring access to electricity for more than 75,000 consumer members.

It also owns KEPCo Services Inc. (KSI), a for profit subsidiary established in 1997, that offers a wide range of technical and engineering services to its member and non-member cooperatives.   

KEPCo’s power supply comes from various resources: owned generation – Wolf Creek Generating Station, Iatan 2 Generating Plant, Sharpe Generating Station, and Prairie Sky Solar Farm; hydropower allocations from the Southwestern Power Administration and the Western Power Administration; and partial requirement power purchases from regional utilities. Approximately 60% of their energy resource mix is non-greenhouse gas emitting.

Sixteen dedicated and experienced trustees govern the co-op.  They look forward to collaborating with the cooperative’s next CEO to continue KEPCo’s successful legacy.

About the Region

The capital of Kansas, Topeka, is situated in the central part of Shawnee County along the Kansas River and has a population of approximately 127,000.  Topeka is approximately one hour west of the Kansas City metro area, with a population of more than two million people.

Key industry sectors contributing to the regional economy include advanced manufacturing, natural resources, mining and construction, durable goods manufacturing, agriculture and livestock processing, energy-intensive industries, and transportation. In 2024, one of the target sectors for accelerated growth is advanced manufacturing, including aerospace and defense manufacturing, which is driving job expansion in the region.

Eastern Kansas offers a diverse array of attractions and outdoor activities. You can explore the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway, enjoy bald eagle watching near the Kansas River (also known as the Kaw River), experience excellent fishing at various lakes throughout the state, and hike through the unique Flint Hills. Topeka hosts the annual Huff ‘n Puff Hot Air Balloon Festival in the fall and several art and music festivals throughout the year. Additionally, you will experience all four seasons in Kansas, from tulip festivals during the spring, warm summers, beautiful foliage during the fall, and moderate winters.

The closest major airport to Topeka is the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), one hour from KEPCo’s headquarters.

Qualifications

            Required

            Applications from those not meeting the required qualifications will not be considered.

• Verifiable, successful leadership experience within the electric utility industry at the Vice President level (or equivalent) or above. We recognize that many utilities refer to those reporting to the CEO/GM as something other than “Vice President.” In such situations, individuals who are direct reports to the CEO/GM are welcome to apply, and they must be clear that they are direct reports to the CEO/GM in the cover letter or resume.
• A sound understanding of wholesale and retail energy markets and power generation
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• An ability to develop a compelling vision and strategic plan that aligns with the long-term goals of the board of trustees.
• Demonstrated success in building high-performance teams and excellent organizational cultures where employees thrive
• A focus on delivering an outstanding experience for KEPCo’s members
• The ability to build a workplace that aligns with KEPCo’s vision, values, and policies and adheres to federal and state employment regulations
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the board of trustees, executive teams, employees, members, and key external stakeholders
• Knowledge of electric utility operations, safety protocols, power supply, member needs and expectations, finance, strategic planning, and risk management
• An understanding of electric utility industry trends, their likely effects on cooperatives, and ways to leverage those trends to benefit KEPCo and its members
• Highly developed skills in communicating and coordinating with member distribution cooperative executives on business plans and initiatives.
• An understanding of – and an appreciation for – the cooperative business model and Seven Cooperative Principles
• A commitment to professional growth and development
• A willingness to travel for meetings at the local, regional, and national levels
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Preferred

• A minimum of five years of experience at the Vice President level or above within the electric utility industry, preferably within the electric cooperative industry
• An understanding of the regulatory, political, and legislative environments facing the electric utility industry
• An advanced degree or certification in an area relevant to leading an electric utility, including but not limited to engineering, management, finance, accounting, economics, or law

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a highly competitive salary, KEPCo’s new CEO will enjoy the following benefits: Pension and 401(k); medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision insurance; long-term disability insurance; life insurance; supplemental AD&D insurance; business travel accident insurance; wellness program; educational assistance plan; Section 125 plan; health savings account; executive benefit restoration plan through NRECA; holidays, vacation and sick leave; and a company vehicle. 

Application Process and Deadline

Interested individuals who meet the required qualifications must email a cover letter and resume to Monica Beavers, Director of Client Services at GreatCo-Ops, at mbeavers@greatcoops.com.  In addition to discussing the applicant’s fit for the role, the cover letter must also include the individual’s perspectives on one significant trend in the electric utility industry and how it will likely affect KEPCo as a G&T and its member cooperatives.

Professional references and a personality profile will be requested later for applicants who progress. Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check, and the selected candidate must also undergo a pre-employment drug test.

Applications are preferred by August 20, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.  However, applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

KEPCo is an equal opportunity employer.