Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association- CEO

Tempe, AZ
Full Time
Senior Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association

The Board of Directors of Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association (GCSECA) headquartered in Tempe, Arizona seeks a member focused leader with proven strategic leadership and consensus building expertise, outstanding interpersonal communication skills and strong desire to positively influence and motivate others, to serve as our next CEO. Industry leadership and commitment to cooperative values will set you apart from other candidates. The GCSECA Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the CEO search process.

About the Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association

GCSECA is a nonprofit, member-driven organization that represents and advocates for its full members, which include six distribution cooperatives, and one Arizona-based generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative.  GCSECA also advocates for its thirteen associate utility members which include out-of-state based distribution and G&T cooperatives that provide electrical power in Arizona, and Arizona electrical districts, irrigation districts, tribal utility authorities and municipal power associations. GCSECA is governed by, and belongs to its Arizona members and the communities they serve.

GCSECA plays an active role in state and federal legislative processes, advocating for the interests of its members to ensure rural communities have a strong voice in energy policy. Beyond its advocacy efforts, GCSECA provides extensive training and educational opportunities for its members and serves as the publisher of Arizona Currents magazine.  Currents is the unified voice of the cooperative members of GCSECA, providing a source of authoritative information and education for customers, policy makers, and the public; reaching 47,000 readers each month.

The CEO reports to a 15-member board and is entrusted with leading GCSECA in a way that supports both its employees and its members.  By prioritizing member service and promoting cooperative values, GCSECA plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to affordable, safe, reliable and sustainable energy for more than 500,000 homes, businesses, farms, and schools in Arizona. 

With a staff of six dedicated professionals and annual revenue exceeding $2.6M, GCSECA is financially strong and prepared to assist its members address the challenges ahead. 

The CEO is responsible for the successful administration, financial management, and strategic operations of GCSECA. This dynamic role involves leading strategic initiatives to support members, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, supporting the Board of Directors, managing financial and compliance obligations, and communicating effectively with members and stakeholders.

The CEO will also serve as a liaison for regulatory and legislative matters, coordinating with GCSECA’s Legislative and Government Relations Committee, GCSECA staff government relations professionals, and contract lobbyists to proactively communicate positions to legislators and regulators to influence policy decisions.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success advocating for electric cooperatives, strong communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Leadership Competencies

  • Ability to Lead Change and Manage Risk: Identify and actively manage change and risk throughout the organization.
  • Vision and Strategic Orientation: Takes a broad scale, long-term view, that focuses on the future needs of the organization and its members.
  • Member Focus: Focuses self and the organization on the needs of its members.
  • Analytical Thinking and Decision Making: Thinks systematically, conceptually, and analytically to determine effective solutions that will enable the statewide to achieve desired goals.
  • Understanding of Financial Issues: Has a good understanding of the key financial opportunities as well as financial risks and budget process.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally: Listens, relates and expresses oneself in a manner that is effective while supporting mutual understanding. Solid presentation skills are a plus.
  • Ability to motivate and positively influence others: Persuades and motivates others towards an outcome consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Relationship and teambuilding experience: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams.
  • Integrity and Courage: Makes decisions and acts consistently with values, professional standards, and the broader interests of the organization.

Experience and Expertise

  • A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
  • An advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred but not required.
  • Education or Experience in Government Relations, Marketing, or Management is preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience is preferred.
  • At least 5 years of experience associated with the electric cooperative industry or the public power industry is preferred.
  • CEO/Executive Director experience is preferred.
  • An understanding of the rural electric cooperative program is preferred.
  • Knowledge of regional issues related to the Arizona electric cooperative industry is highly desired.

Our Location

GCSECA headquarters is located in Tempe, Arizona.  With a population over 180,000, Tempe is home to Arizona State University and is a vibrant suburb in the Phoenix metropolitan area.   The location provides access to excellent local shopping, dining opportunities, entertainment options, sporting events, cultural events, health care, an international airport, and higher education opportunities.   Arizona, known for its sunshine, actually provides a diverse climate.  In addition to popular activities such as golf and tennis, within a short driving distance residents can participate in activities such as boating, hiking, and snow skiing.

Our Benefits

GCSECA provides its employees with an attractive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, business travel, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.  The retirement package is highly competitive and includes a traditional pension plan, and a 401(k) plan.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

How to Apply

If interested, please apply at

https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/9VgzVih2la/Grand-Canyon-State-Electric-Cooperative-Association-CEO

Applications must be received by January 22, 2026 and are required to include the following: 1) Cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information, including cell numbers and email addresses, for 3 professional references. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Luttrell, NRECA Executive Search, Email:  [email protected].

All replies are confidential.

 
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