General Manager

The Board of Directors at Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Central Electric) is seeking qualified applicants for the role of General Manager. This executive position will become available upon the retirement of the current long‑term General Manager in July 2026. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the General Manager leads and supervises the operations, maintenance, and strategic advancement of Central Electric, ensuring reliable, efficient, and cost‑effective delivery of electrical services.

Central Electric is a financially sound and operationally strong not‑for‑profit electric distribution cooperative in southeastern South Dakota. The Cooperative’s headquarters is situated four miles west of Mitchell, adjacent to Interstate 90. Service centers are strategically located in Howard, Kimball, Plankinton, and Wessington Springs. Central Electric upholds a safety‑first culture while delivering reliable and cost‑effective electric service to approximately 5,000 member‑owners. The Cooperative manages 4,480 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines across eight counties.

The membership includes three large industrial loads that account for over half of total sales. Central Electric employs a committed team of 43 professionals, generates annual revenues of $40 million, and manages a net utility plant valued at $88 million. Employees take pride in providing members with safe, high quality energy services at a reasonable price.

Central Electric was created in 2000 from the merger of Intercounty Electric (founded in Mitchell in 1944) and Tri‑County Electric (established in Plankinton in 1947). Both cooperatives were created by local farmers and rural residents to supply essential electric services and enhance the quality of life for their communities. The Cooperative model was chosen to provide consistent and equitable benefits for all member‑owners.

Today, Central Electric remains dedicated to delivering reliable energy and services, prioritizing safety and member satisfaction.

As a member‑owner of East River Electric Power Cooperative and a participant in the Touchstone Energy® Cooperative network, Central Electric upholds the highest standards of member satisfaction and embodies its foundational values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and community engagement.

Central Electric’s service area is ideally situated between Sioux Falls and the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. Mitchell, home to the Cooperative headquarters, is located just one hour west of Sioux Falls and was named the 2025 Community of the Year by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The Community of the Year award recognizes a community that has made exceptional strides in economic development, job creation, and quality of life.

Mitchell has demonstrated outstanding progress, securing a major soybean plant and is investing in housing, childcare, and attracting new residents through its innovative programs. Mitchell offers top quality healthcare, public and private K‑12 and postsecondary education, vibrant family‑centered amenities, affordable living, and the World’s Only Corn Palace.

Central Electric’s service area attracts hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Missouri River and the variety of year‑round recreational opportunities available. The Mitchell region is recognized nationally for its longstanding status as a premier pheasant hunting destination. The area offers extensive options for engaging with the natural environment, appealing both to those interested in outdoor adventure and to individuals seeking leisure activities in a welcoming community.

These attributes collectively establish Central Electric’s service area as an outstanding location to live, work, and raise a family.

The successful candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal abilities and demonstrate a passion for shaping and advancing the Cooperative’s strategic direction. Applicants must have comprehensive knowledge of utility operations, as well as established leadership, communication, management, and technological…