Wharton County Electric Cooperative- CEO

Nreca•El Campo, TX

32d•Onsite

About The Position

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 d irects 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.

Requirements

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.
Bachelor’s Degree is required
5 years of management and leadership experience is required

Nice To Haves

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
At least 5 years of electric utility experience is a plus
Electric cooperative experience will set you apart from other candidates