Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Ravalli Electric Cooperative

Chief Executive Officer 

Ravalli Electric Cooperative  

The Ravalli Electric Cooperative (REC) Board of Directors is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the cooperative’s next Chief Executive Officer upon the retirement of their current CEO after 11 years of service to the organization. The preferred start date is late April 2026. 

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

The cooperative is seeking a CEO with exceptional leadership qualities, outstanding communication skills, and strong relationship-building abilities. The ideal candidate should have a strategic mindset and a solid commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation. The CEO will be responsible for cultivating an organizational culture that empowers the Ravalli Electric Cooperative team to excel and consistently deliver exceptional service to more than 9,000 members across the Bitterroot Valley. 

The CEO should lead with integrity, prioritizing ethics, safety, and REC values in every decision.  They must also bring a high degree of self-awareness and a genuine commitment to teamwork, inspiring a culture of trust, collaboration, and member focus. 

About Ravalli Electric Cooperative 

Ravalli was established in 1936 and is headquartered in Victor, Montana, just 35 miles from Missoula.  It was the first electric cooperative in the state.  REC sources its electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency that markets hydropower generated from dams in the Pacific Northwest.  

To further support its members, REC also owns Grizzly Broadband, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides high-speed internet services to rural communities, extending the cooperative’s mission of delivering essential infrastructure beyond electricity. 

Ravalli Electric Cooperative operates with a clear commitment to community, integrity, and member service. As a not-for-profit, member-owned utility, its mission centers on delivering reliable, affordable electricity while advancing local development. Programs like Valley Solar and the Grassroots Action Team reflect REC’s focus on transparency, innovation, and energy efficiency – core values embedded in its operations. 

REC’s investments in youth education and initiatives, such as Power of Change, underscore its long-term vision for community stewardship and member engagement. This value-driven culture supports a leadership environment where safety, sustainability, and operational responsiveness are priorities. For a CEO candidate, REC offers a platform to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and deepen impact across the cooperative and the communities it serves. 

Seven dedicated and experienced directors govern the co-op. They look forward to collaborating with the cooperative’s next CEO to continue REC’s successful legacy. 

About the Region 

Victor, Montana, is a small town situated in the heart of Ravalli County, within the scenic Bitterroot Valley, and nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges. REC is located near Missoula, the region’s largest city and a cultural and economic hub for western Montana. Victor’s name honors Chief Victor of the Bitterroot Salish tribe, and its history is deeply tied to Native American heritage and the early railroad era. 

Key industry sectors contributing to the western Montana economy include agriculture, forestry, outdoor recreation, tourism, small-scale manufacturing, and energy distribution. Victor benefits from its proximity to natural resources and public lands, supporting businesses in ranching, farming, and eco-tourism.  

Western Montana offers a rich array of attractions and outdoor activities. Visitors and residents alike enjoy fly fishing on the Bitterroot River, hiking in the Bitterroot National Forest, and exploring historic sites, such as the Daly Mansion in nearby Hamilton. Seasonal events include local farmers' markets, rodeos, and art festivals that celebrate the valley’s heritage and community spirit. The region experiences all four seasons, with snowy winters ideal for skiing, vibrant spring wildflowers, warm summers perfect for rafting and camping, and colorful autumn foliage. 

Victor’s location offers easy access to several vibrant cities within a few hours’ drive. Missoula offers a lively arts scene, University of Montana events, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation along its rivers and trails. A bit farther out, Kalispell opens the gateway to Glacier National Park, while Helena, Butte, and Bozeman offer rich historical attractions and cultural festivals. Spokane, Washington, just under five hours away, serves up big-city amenities like concerts, shopping, and sporting events. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or a dose of urban energy, Victor’s central location makes it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. 

The closest major airport to Victor is Missoula International Airport (MSO), located approximately 45 miles north, offering flights to numerous hubs by American, Delta, United, and others. 

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 clearly indicate their direct reporting relationship to the CEO/GM in the cover letter or resume. 

• Excellent leadership and communication skills 

• An ability to develop a compelling vision and strategic plan that aligns with the long-term goals of the board of trustees. 

• Demonstrated success in building high-performance teams and excellent organizational cultures where employees thrive 

• A focus on delivering an outstanding experience for REC’s members 

• The ability to build a workplace that aligns with REC’s vision, values, and policies and adheres to federal and state employment regulations 

• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the board of directors, key staff, employees, members, and key external stakeholders 

• 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 REC’s 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 

Preferred 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university 

• A minimum of five years of experience at the Vice President level (or equivalent, reporting to CEO) or above within an electric utility, preferably an electric cooperative 

• An advanced degree or certification in an area relevant to leading an electric utility, including but not limited to engineering, management, finance, accounting, economics, or law 

• Familiarity with operating a broadband business  

Compensation and Benefits 

In addition to a competitive salary, REC’s new CEO will enjoy the following benefits: Pension and 401(k) with base contributions and employer match totaling up to 8% of base pay; medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability insurance; life insurance; business travel accident insurance; health savings account; ten holidays (three floating); base of 100 hours of personal time off (PTO) on day of hire; sick leave; 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 Ravalli Electric Cooperative. 

Professional references will be requested later for applicants who progress to the next stage. Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check, and the selected candidate will also be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test.  

To receive full consideration, applications are strongly preferred by January 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. However, applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.  

Ravalli Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.