Chief Executive Officer

Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative

Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative, Aitkin, MN is a not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative owned by the members we serve. We provide service to over 13,000 members in parts of Aitkin, Crow Wing and Mille Lacs counties. It is our mission to responsibly provide reliable, competitively priced energy, services and products to meet the needs of our members and customers. 

The Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Board is seeking a proven, people-centered Chief Executive Officer to lead the cooperative with integrity, humility, and strategic foresight. This role calls for a leader who understands the cooperative business model, values strong board partnerships, and believes the best organizations operate like a family – supportive, accountable, and united around a shared purpose. Success in this role depends not on top-down authority, but on trust, relationships and the ability to bring people together. The Board is looking for:

Servant leadership and culture:

•    Leads with humility, trust, and accountability - serving members, the Board, and employees.

•    Maintains a strong, family-oriented culture grounded in teamwork, respect, and open communication.

•    Builds a workplace where employees feel safe to speak up, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve.

•    Champions safety, wellness, and care for employees as core organizational values.

•    Values strong, transparent and respectful relationships internally and externally as essential to the cooperative’s success. 

Operational, finance and cooperative expertise: 

•    Strong understanding of electric cooperative operations, including system reliability, ROW maintenance, and the importance of work plans and work orders.

•    Stays informed and engaged without micromanaging day-to-day operations.

•    Brings meaningful electric cooperative experience along with a deep understanding of its business model. Supports strategic initiatives, including continued investment in and commitment to the cooperative’s fiber venture. 

•    Balances innovation and growth with operational excellence and financial discipline.

•    Demonstrates financial knowledge, with the ability to understand and use budgets, forecasts and related financial tools.

•    Balances fiscal responsibility with long-term system reliability and workforce needs, avoiding short-sighted cost cutting.

To qualify, a Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, economics or related discipline and 8+ years’ experience in the electric utility industry with a minimum of five years of leadership in a management role is preferred. Completion of NRECA’s Management Internship Program, or equivalent cooperative executive development, is highly desirable. We welcome a leader who will choose to live within our service territory, enjoying the opportunity to be a part of the community and build genuine connections with members we serve.  

This is an opportunity to lead a cooperative with strong people, deep roots, and a shared commitment to service. The next CEO will be a unifying leader - one who understands that lasting success comes from relationships, stewardship, and a culture where people work together and grow together.

A typical starting range for this position is $240,000 - $300,000 annually. Qualified professionals will find we offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with match, generous PTO, holidays and tuition reimbursement. 

For more information regarding Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative, Aitkin, MN please visit our website at www.mlecmn.net. To apply, please e-mail your resume by February 10, 2026 to:  ceosearchmlec@grenergy.com. An EEO/AA Employer.