Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Salmon River Electric Cooperative

The Board of Directors of Salmon River Electric Cooperative (SREC) is seeking a forward-thinking, values-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer, with an anticipated start date of January 4, 2027.

SREC has engaged GreatCo-Ops (www.greatcoops.com) to support this search.

SREC seeks a CEO who brings proven leadership, sound judgment, and strong communication skills, along with the ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships.  The right candidate will combine strategic judgement with a collaborative leadership style to unify the organization around the cooperative’s long-term vision and strategic direction.  Just as important, this individual will value becoming part of the community, someone willing to put down roots, spend time in the area, and truly get to know the people and way of life in the region.

This individual will foster a workplace culture that supports employees, encourages professional growth, and equips team members with the tools and resources needed to deliver outstanding service to members. By taking the time to engage with both the organization and the broader community, the CEO will help strengthen connections and guide SREC in a way that reflects the values and needs of the area it serves.

The CEO must exemplify integrity, accountability, safety, and the cooperative principles that define SREC, ensuring that every decision reflects a commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and member service. This leader should possess strong self-awareness and a collaborative mindset that promotes teamwork and reinforces SREC’s mission of providing reliable, affordable energy and exceptional service.

In this role, the CEO will be responsible for driving excellence across organizational culture, safety, service delivery, system reliability, operational performance, and financial stewardship. Building strong, trust-based relationships with the board, employees, members, energy partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders will be critical to success.

About Salmon River Electric

Governed by a board of seven committed directors, Salmon River Electric serves as a trusted, member-owned utility rooted in the rugged landscapes of central Idaho.  From its headquarters in Challis, the cooperative provides safe, dependable, and affordable electric service to the communities that stretch across Blaine, Custer, and Lemhi counties. SREC also owns Salmon River Propane, a full-service propane company covering those counties plus Butte and Idaho counties. 

Guided by cooperative principles and a long tradition of neighbor-to-neighbor service, SREC exists to strengthen the quality of life in the region and to make a deep commitment to the people who call this place home.

Operating in an area defined by spectacular mountain scenery, SREC provides electric service to a diverse membership, which includes mining, agricultural operations, small businesses, residential communities, and recreation-driven economies. SREC continues to invest in system reliability, infrastructure, and technologies that support long-term operational success.

The board looks forward to partnering with the next CEO to advance SREC’s mission, support its employees, and ensure the cooperative remains a stable, reliable, and forward-looking utility for the region.

For additional information about SREC, please visit srec.org.

About the Region

Challis is situated within one of the most beautiful areas in North America.

The county seat of Custer County, Challis, is located in central Idaho along the upper Salmon River.  The community is set among the mountains and valleys of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, giving it a distinctly western, rural character.  Hiking, fishing, rafting, camping, horseback riding, and hunting are primary pastimes in the area.  A two-hour drive along the beautiful Salmon River and through the breathtaking vistas near Stanley lie the towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum, a world-class resort destination hosting skiers, fly-fishing enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers from around the world. Ketchum and Sun Valley offer excellent dining, shopping, and cultural events.  

Within about a four-hour drive are Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park.

The local economy is shaped by mining, agriculture, ranching, tourism, outdoor recreation, and government employment.  Ranching and livestock operations have long been central to the area’s identity, while visitors drawn by recreation and tourism help support local businesses and services.

Life in Challis centers around a strong sense of community and pride in its western roots.  Music festivals, rodeos, art shows, farmers markets, the county fair, and other events bring residents and visitors together throughout the year.  The community is characterized by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

With wide-open landscapes and clear night skies, Challis appeals to those who value nature and a slower pace of living.

Challis has a local general aviation airport for smaller aircraft. Commercial air service is available through Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), approximately 150 miles southeast, and Boise Airport (BOI), about 190 miles southwest; both airports provide a range of domestic flight connections.  The Challis Area Health Center provides a variety of healthcare services.

Qualifications

Required

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

• Verifiable, successful leadership experience within the electric utility industry
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Demonstrated success in building high-performance teams and excellent organizational cultures where employees thrive
• A clear emphasis on ensuring a strong safety culture and safety outcomes
• A focus on delivering an outstanding member experience
• The ability to build a workplace that aligns with SREC’s vision, values, and policies and adheres to federal and state employment regulations
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with boards of directors, leadership teams, employees, and key external stakeholders
• An understanding of – and an appreciation for – the cooperative business model and Seven Cooperative Principles
• A commitment to professional growth and development for self and the employees
• A willingness to travel for meetings at the local, regional, and national levels
• Note: The CEO will be required to live within the cooperative’s service territory

Preferred (Not Required)

• A minimum of five years of experience at the Vice President level or above within an electric utility, preferably an electric cooperative
• Experience in the propane business
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, SREC’s new CEO will enjoy the following benefits: NRECA RS pension; 401(k); comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; business travel accident insurance; nine fixed holidays and one floating holiday; PTO; access to a cooperative-owned vehicle for business use.

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 Salmon River Electric Cooperative, given the cooperative’s unique characteristics.

Professional references will be requested later for progressing applicants. Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check. The selected candidate must also undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

Applications are preferred by August 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain. However, applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Salmon River Electric is an equal opportunity employer.