Lovington, New Mexico
Palo Alto, California
Posted: 01-Jun-26
Location: Marion, Illinois
Type: Full Time
The Board of Directors for Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC) is seeking a proven leader to serve as the cooperative’s next President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A vacancy in this position will be created when the current President/CEO retires in January 2027. The tentative start date for SIPC’s next President/CEO is January 1, 2027.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the strategic and operational leader of SIPC, overseeing generation and transmission assets, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term organizational planning. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable, cost-effective power generation while balancing operational excellence, member value, and environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in thermal generation, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of cooperative governance and culture.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 10+ years of leadership experience in power generation or utility operations
- Proven success managing large-scale facilities or business units
- Strong technical understanding of coal-fired generation systems and grid operations
- Demonstrated financial leadership, safety focused, proven team-building skills, exceptional communication skills and experience working with regulatory agencies and compliance frameworks
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Accounting, Business, Energy Management, or related fields
Preferred
- Experience in the electric cooperative sector (G&T or distribution)
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS Engineering, Energy Systems, or related discipline)
- Familiarity with union environments and large workforce management
- Background in public-utility operations or cooperative governance
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested individuals who meet the required qualifications must e-mail a cover letter and resume to:
Billie Holshouser
Manager Human Resources
Southern Illinois Power Cooperative
(618) 964-2205
DEADLINE TO APPLY – July 1, 2026
See additional information about SIPC and this Position, including benefits, at www.sipower.org/careers.
Southern Illinois Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.
Please be advised that this organization may utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening process of potential candidates when assessing job specific requirements. However, all final hiring decisions are made by qualified human professionals.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 10+ years of leadership experience in power generation or utility operations
- Proven success managing large-scale facilities or business units
- Strong technical understanding of coal-fired generation systems and grid operations
- Demonstrated financial leadership, safety focused, proven team-building skills, exceptional communication skills and experience working with regulatory agencies and compliance frameworks
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Accounting, Business, Energy Management, or related fields
Preferred
- Experience in the electric cooperative sector (G&T or distribution)
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS Engineering, Energy Systems, or related discipline)
- Familiarity with union environments and large workforce management
- Background in public-utility operations or cooperative governance
