Peace River Electric Cooperative- CEO

Wauchula, FL
Full Time
Senior Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Peace River Electric Cooperative
 

The Peace River Electric Cooperative Board of Directors is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative leader to serve as its next CEO following a recent retirement. NRECA Executive Search has been retained to lead the recruitment process.
 

About Peace River Electric Cooperative

Incorporated in 1940, Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO) is a financially strong, member-focused electric cooperative serving more than 71,000 accounts across ten counties in South Central Florida. Headquartered in Wauchula, PRECO combines a legacy of reliable service and stable rates with the momentum of a rapidly growing region. With $151 million in annual revenue, $334 million in net plant, 41 substations, and more than 5,700 miles of distribution line, the cooperative is well-positioned for continued success. An engaged nine-member board of directors and deep community involvement further strengthen its foundation.

PRECO is one of nine members of Seminole Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Tampa, providing access to a diverse and reliable wholesale power portfolio. The cooperative’s 141 dedicated employees, supported by a strong operations team represented by the IBEW, are committed to operational excellence and member service. PRECO maintains competitive rates, a robust capital credit retirement program, and strong financial partnerships with the RUS, CFC and CoBank.

PRECO’s service territory is both diverse and dynamic, spanning rural agricultural communities and fast-growing areas near Florida’s Gulf Coast. As one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, PRECO has achieved annual growth of more than 7% in recent years and delivers over 1 billion kWh annually. While growth and regional weather risks present challenges, the cooperative has built an impressive reputation for efficient operations, innovation, and exceptional storm response.

This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader to guide a high-performing, growth-oriented cooperative into its next chapter. The CEO will build on a strong foundation, lead a dedicated team, and make a lasting impact on the communities PRECO serves, all while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of South Central Florida’s warm climate and abundant outdoor recreation.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking electric utility leader who can plan, organize, and direct day-to-day operations while advancing the strategic vision and mission of the cooperative. The ideal candidate will also bring:
 
  • Strong working knowledge of key utility functions, including finance, engineering & operations, and member services.
  • Demonstrated ability to address regional risks, including natural disaster response.
  • Experience leading through rapid growth and serving a diverse membership.

Leadership Competencies

  • Vision and Strategic Orientation: Takes a broad scale, long-term view, that focuses on the future needs of the organization and members.
  • Lead Change and Manage Risk: Identifies and actively manages change and risk throughout the organization.
  • Analytical Thinking and Decision Making: Thinks systematically, conceptually, and analytically to determine effective solutions that will enable the co-op to achieve desired goals.
  • Commitment to Cooperative Values: Acts in ways that place the cooperative’s values and principles above personal needs.
  • Integrity and Courage: Makes decisions and acts consistently with values, professional standards, and the broader interest of the cooperative.
  • Understanding of Distribution Cooperatives: Demonstrates an appreciation of the electric cooperative model and possesses a thorough understanding of electric cooperative operations.
  • Financial Acumen: Must possess a strong financial acumen to balance member affordability with long-term financial sustainability. Must have the ability to understand financial statements, cash flow management, and strategic capital budgeting. Must have a familiarity with managing capital credits and rate design especially in a growing cooperative.
  • Strong Focus on Safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
  • Understanding of Power Supply Issues: Demonstrates an understanding of power supply issues to include power generation basics, wholesale power rate development and the relationship between the G&T and its member cooperatives.
  • Respect and Appreciation: Develops and nurtures a healthy culture that leverages the talents of each person and promotes cultural awareness among members.
  • Relationship and Team Building: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams.
  • Industry Knowledge and Influence: Has extensive knowledge of the industry and uses this knowledge to impact the future direction of the industry.

Experience and Expertise

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Accounting, Business Management or Engineering) is required.
  • An advanced degree in a related field is desired.
  • At least 5-10 years of progressively responsible management experience is strongly preferred.
  • At least 10 years of electric utility experience, preferably in a cooperative environment, is strongly preferred.
  • CEO experience strongly preferred but not required.

The successful candidate must reside on the cooperative’s lines and become a member within a reasonable period.

Our Locations

In addition to the Wauchula headquarters, the cooperative has a Service Center in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Our Benefits

We are committed to providing an attractive and competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical coverage along with supplemental life, long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, paid holidays, and PTO.  

Our retirement package includes the NRECA Retirement & Security Pension Plan as well as a 401(k) plan with a company match.

Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Peace River Electric Cooperative is an EEO provider and 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 considered in any employment decision. Learn more about us at https://www.preco.coop/

How to Apply

If interested, please apply at  https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/K6B6HVMPFB/Peace-River-Electric-Cooperative-CEO.

Applications must be received by June 22, 2026, and are required to include the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information for three professional references, including email addresses. If you have any questions, please contact Bobbi Kilmer, NRECA Executive Search, 570-332-9280 or [email protected].

All replies are confidential.


 
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