The Board of Directors for West River Electric, a not-for-profit electric Cooperative (WREA), operating in western South Dakota is seeking to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) upon the retirement of the current CEO at the end of 2024.

WHO WE ARE

WREA operates an electric distribution network covering about 2,700 miles of lines in addition to 39 miles of transmission line. This network serves approximately 20,000 meters in western South Dakota, mainly in Pennington and Meade Counties. Covering nearly 100 percent of a 4,500 square mile area in western South Dakota, West River's distribution system is extensive. The company's headquarters are in Wall, SD, with an additional office in Rapid City and an outpost in Enning. WREA is one of the fastest growing cooperatives in the state as well as the nation. WREA’s load is a diverse mix of residential, small, and large commercial.

Wall is home to Wall Drug, the top tourism destination in the nation with a population of 690. Located in western South Dakota and eastern Pennington County, Wall is a short 45-minute drive from Rapid City, the second largest city in South Dakota. Wall is directly off Interstate 90 and nestled within a strong agriculture and tourism region. Wall is unique in that it is surrounded by large, family-owned farm and ranch operations. The Badlands of SD are within minutes of Wall with the Black Hills of SD are within an hour of the headquarters and minutes from Rapid City.

Rapid City is the 36^th fastest-growing metro in the country. With a regional population of 650,000, Rapid City is the central medical and retail hub for the region. There are parks, annual events, national monuments, and more.

WREA is a member of Rushmore Electric G&T, headquartered in Rapid City, SD. WREA’s main power supply is a diverse mix of energy from Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck ND, and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA).

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Board is in search of candidates who have proven expertise in managing and leading an electric cooperative. Alongside strong interpersonal skills, the ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience in various operational areas including power supply, rates, engineering, human resources, safety, and member service. Proficiency in finance and accounting is also essential. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with the WREA Board, fostering a team-oriented approach to governance, and bringing initiative, innovation, and strategic foresight to the CEO role.

The CEO Reports to the nine-member board of directors representing three districts within West River Electric's service territory. Board members are elected at-large by the entire membership, with three members elected annually for three-year terms. The Board is a cohesive, diverse board bringing together a mix of strategic vision and foresight to the membership. They embody our mission statement of “Serving Our Members’ Best Interests”.

The CEO of WREA holds a critical position in overseeing the organization's strategic direction and operational efficiency.

This role involves extensive planning and control responsibilities, including developing organizational work-plans and budgets, collaborating with the Board to set objectives and policies, and ensuring a strong culture of safety.
Responsible for structuring the organization, maintaining position descriptions, and managing wage and salary programs.
Oversee recruitment, performance appraisals, and training of personnel, fostering a cohesive and enthusiastic team environment. The operations department is a member of the local IBEW.
Plays a pivotal role in operational aspects, such as developing strategies, monitoring performance, and advising the Board on various matters.
Manage contracts and regulatory compliance
Serve as primary spokesperson for media relations
Expected to project a positive organizational image of WREA when interacting with the community, other cooperatives, and the public.
Be a leader and active in community affairs.

Overall the CEO role encompasses a broad spectrum of duties, ranging from strategic planning to day-to-day operational management. By effectively balancing these responsibilities, they drive WREA towards its goals while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and fostering positive relationships both internally and externally.

The successful candidate expected to have a minimum of seven to ten (7-10) years of direct electric utility experience in progressively responsible positions, with a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience at the senior management level. Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, management, business, finance, or another related field.

WHAT WE OFFER

WREA is an equal opportunity employer and provider who offers competitive salaries and excellent medical and retirement benefits.

Our Benefits:

We are committed to providing an attractive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, basic life, business travel, paid holidays, and generous paid time off.
Our retirement package includes the NRECA Retirement & Security Pension Plan as well as a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

At WREA, we do not just employ people, we make them part of our family.

HELPFUL WEB LINKS

West River Electric Website

Service Territory Map

Web Links to the area: Wall – Rapid City

Jobs in Wall

Chief Executive Officer