Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - BENCO Electric Cooperative

Chief Executive Officer

BENCO Electric Cooperative

The Board of Directors at BENCO Electric Cooperative is in search of a dynamic, principled, forward-thinking leader to serve as the cooperative’s next Chief Executive Officer.  This individual will replace the outgoing CEO who is retiring after 33 years with the cooperative.  The preferred start date is early January 2026.

BENCO has partnered with GreatCo-Ops (www.greatcoops.com) to assist with this search.

The cooperative is seeking a CEO who will demonstrate outstanding leadership, superior communication skills, and strong relationship-building abilities. The candidate must be strategy-minded and capable of working collaboratively to continue shaping a shared vision for BENCO’s future.  The CEO will be responsible for fostering an organizational culture that enables BENCO’s team to continue thriving and delivering exceptional service to its 20,000-plus member services.

The CEO must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethics, safety, and BENCO’s core values while also being a self-aware and collaborative leader. 

BENCO’s CEO will be responsible for directing the cooperative towards outstanding performance in safety, organizational culture, service, reliability, operations, and fiscal strength. The individual must possess the necessary leadership skills to cultivate sound relationships with the board, employees, co-op members, and the community.

About BENCO Electric Cooperative

Founded in May 1936 as the Blue Earth-Nicollet Cooperative Electric Association, the cooperative has evolved through multiple mergers before adopting its current name of Blue Earth Nicollet Faribault Cooperative Electric Association, doing business as BENCO Electric Cooperative. Headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota, BENCO serves a broad territory, covering Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Faribault counties,  as well as parts of Brown, Le Sueur, Martin, Freeborn, Sibley, and Waseca counties.  With approximately 20,000 connected services, BENCO plays a vital role in powering homes, farms, and businesses across southern Minnesota. 

BENCO is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its members by delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity.

BENCO exemplifies Cooperative Principle No. 7, Concern for Community, through its commitment to supporting local initiatives.  The Operation Round Up program enables members to voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, with the funds supporting nonprofit organizations. In 2024 alone, this program contributed almost $40,000 to community causes. 

Additionally, BENCO invests in local communities through a revolving loan fund (RLF), providing financial assistance to organizations.  The cooperative fosters youth engagement through programs like the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour, allowing high school students to visit the nation’s capital, learn about government, and connect with other young leaders.  BENCO also supports students through educational programs, scholarships, and 4-H premium payments locally and at the Minnesota State Fair, promoting youth involvement in both the cooperative and the broader community. Many of its employees also volunteer their time and skills to various community efforts.

The co-op’s governance is led by nine committed directors who look forward to working collaboratively with the next CEO to continue building on BENCO’s legacy of excellence.  

About the Region

Mankato, Minnesota, along with its sister-city across the Minnesota River, North Mankato, offers an exceptional quality of life, blending small-town charm with urban convenience.  Residents benefit from a cost-of-living six percent lower than the national average, along with short commutes, a strong sense of safety, and a welcoming community.  The Greater Mankato economy is driven by a mix of industries, including agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.  The city is home to Minnesota State University, Mankato, Bethany Lutheran College, South Central College, and Rasmussen University, which contribute to the local economy and enrich the city's vibrant cultural scene.  Additionally, Mayo Clinic Health System operates a hospital and multiple clinics, along with the Mankato Clinic and Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic, all providing Mankato with high-quality healthcare.

Mankato offers a vibrant mix of amenities, including restaurants, local shops, breweries, wineries, theaters, and year-round community events.  Outdoor enthusiasts can play scenic golf courses, wander riverfront trails, enjoy waterfalls, and may even catch a glimpse of bison in Minneopa State Park, all just minutes from downtown.  With more than 150 lakes within a 30-minute drive of Greater Mankato, the area is extremely popular for its lakeside living, boating, fishing, and other water activities.

Beyond the Mankato/North Mankato communities, the South Central Minnesota economy is robust and diverse.  Major employers in the region include Taylor Corporation, Mayo Clinic Health System, ADM, Cambria, CHS, Mankato Area Public Schools, Walmart Distribution Center, and Hiniker Company. The region also experiences a seasonal boost from tourism, particularly in the summer months, thanks to its scenic lakes, bike trails, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.  This unique economic blend supports a resilient and thriving economy.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is approximately 77 miles from downtown Mankato.  It serves as a key transportation hub, facilitating both domestic and international travel.  A shuttle service provides numerous daily trips between the community and the Twin Cities airport.

Qualifications

Required

              Applications from individuals who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

• Verifiable, successful leadership experience with an electric utility at the Vice President level (or equivalent) or above. We recognize that many utilities refer to those reporting to the CEO/GM as something other than “Vice President.” In such situations, individuals who are direct reports to the CEO/GM are welcome to apply, and they must be clear that they are direct reports to the CEO/GM in the cover letter or resume
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• An ability to execute on a compelling vision and strategic plan that align with the long-term goals of the board of directors
• Demonstrated success in building high-performance teams and excellent organizational cultures where employees thrive
• A focus on delivering an outstanding experience for BENCO’s members
• The ability to maintain a workplace that aligns with BENCO’s vision, values, and policies and adheres to federal and state employment regulations
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the board of directors, executive teams, employees, members, and key external stakeholders
• An understanding of the regulatory, political, social, and legislative environments facing the electric utility industry in Minnesota and nationally
• Knowledge of electric utility operations, safety protocols, power supply, member needs and expectations, finance, strategic planning, and risk management
• An understanding of electric utility industry trends, their likely effects on cooperatives, and ways to leverage those trends to benefit BENCO and its members
• An understanding of – and an appreciation for – the cooperative business model and Seven Cooperative Principles
• A commitment to professional growth and development
• A willingness to travel for meetings at the local, regional, and national levels
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

 Preferred

•  Meaningful leadership experience within the electric cooperative industry
• An advanced degree or certification in an area relevant to leading an electric cooperative, including but not limited to engineering, management, finance, accounting, economics, or law

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary (range is $280,000 to $340,000) BENCO’s new CEO will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes a pension plan, 401(k), medical and dental insurance, long-term disability coverage, term life and AD&D insurance, nine paid holidays plus two floating holidays, a health savings account (HSA), a Section 125 cafeteria plan, and a vehicle allowance.

 Application Process and Deadline

 Interested individuals who meet the required qualifications must email a cover letter and resume to Monica Beavers, Director of Client Services at GreatCo-Ops, at mbeavers@greatcoops.com. In addition to discussing the applicant’s fit for the role, the cover letter must also include the individual’s perspectives on one significant trend in the electric utility industry and how it will likely affect BENCO, given the cooperative’s unique characteristics and operating context.

Applicants must specify any portion of their cover letter or resume that was written, proofed, or edited in any way by artificial intelligence.

Professional references will be requested later for applicants who progress. Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check and drug test.

To receive full consideration, applications are strongly preferred by August 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. However, applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

BENCO Electric Cooperative is an equal-opportunity employer.