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Job description
Chief Executive Officer
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative – Girard, KS
The Board of Directors of Heartland REC in Girard, KS seeks a results-driven utility leader with strong interpersonal communications skills that will foster a culture grounded in trust, respect, transparency, inclusion and accountability to become their next CEO. The Heartland REC Board of Directors has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process. About Heartland REC
Heartland REC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering reliable, member-owned electric service and propane services across portions of 12 counties in rural east central and southeast Kansas.
Employing a staff of 46 full-time employees, the cooperative has an annual revenue of $27 million and a total utility plant of $91 million. It provides service with 11,454 meters on over 3,800 miles of line. The cooperative currently receives its wholesale power from Kansas Electric Power Cooperative (KEPCo). Heartland REC’s propane subsidiary, Heartland Energy, has an additional 9 employees and serves nearly 4,000 customers within and outside its electric service territory.
Reporting to a 8-member Board of Directors, the Heartland REC CEO is responsible for carrying out the strategic vision of the Cooperative. The CEO 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 Heartland REC’s day-to-day operations and activities, ensuring that the business of the cooperative is conducted in accordance with Heartland REC’s bylaws, policies, strategic plans, and business objectives.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who understands distribution utilities and has a track record of delivering strong organizational and business results.
Leadership Competencies
Commitment to Cooperative Values: Acts in ways that put the cooperative’s values and principles above one’s own personal needs and goals.
Integrity and Courage: Makes decisions and acts consistently with values, professional standards, and the broader interests of the cooperative.
Strong focus on Safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
Relationship and Team Building Experience: Create trust through open communications and mutual understanding leading to better collaboration, motivation, and problem solving.
Ability and want to develop employees: 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.
Exceptional interpersonal communication skills: Listens, relates and expresses oneself in a manner that is effective while supporting mutual understanding.
Respect and Appreciation: Develops and nurtures a healthy culture that leverages the talents of each person and promotes cultural awareness among members.
Industry Knowledge: Has extensive knowledge of the industry and uses this knowledge to impact the future direction of the industry.
Electric Distribution Cooperative Knowledge: Understands the unique business model of cooperatives, its governance structure, regulations and operational challenges.
Solid financial understanding of electric cooperatives: Fluent with financial metrics and has a detailed understanding of the key financial opportunities, as well as financial risks and budget processes.
Experience and Expertise
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Advanced degree, such as an MBA, is a plus.
Education or Experience in Business, Accounting & Finance, or Operations is preferred.
At least 5 years of management experience is required.
At least 5 years of electric utility experience is preferred
Public Power or Electric Cooperative experience is desired.
Our Location
Heartland REC’s headquarters is in Girard, Kansas, the county seat of Crawford County and is 120 miles south of Kansas City and 45 miles northwest of Joplin, Missouri. Area offices are located in Gas and Mound City, Kansas. The area offers all the advantages of small communities, low cost of living and an abundance of outdoor activities.
Girard, Kansas is a welcoming community of approximately 2,700 residents that blends small-town charm with modern conveniences. It is located just 15 miles northwest of Pittsburg, Kansas which has a population of 20,000 and is home to Pittsburg State University, a four-year public university offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Heartland REC’s service area is located in an ecologically diverse transition zone where the Great Plains meet the edge of the Ozark Mountains. It has the rolling plains of the Osage Cuestas, the rugged Chautauqua Hills, the gently sloping Cherokee Lowlands, and the steep slopes and hardwood forests of the Ozark Plateau. The region offers abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Our Benefits
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• 100% employer-paid High-Deductible Insurance plan for employee with a cost share for family coverage available
• Dental and Vision insurance available
• Cash Balance Pension Plan and a 401(k) with a generous company match
• Paid Time Off
• Company vehicle for work-related travel
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Heartland REC 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 to Apply
If interested, please apply at with the following: 1) Cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information (including emails) for 3 professional references. Applications must be received by November 11, 2026 . If you have any questions, please contact Chris Meyers, NRECA Executive Search,
All replies are confidential.
Worksite address
girard, KS, 66743, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.