Career Center

Established in 1935, VEC is currently one of the largest rural electric cooperatives in the nation and the second largest in the state of Tennessee, serving over 95,647 members with more than 122,000 meters.  The cooperative’s 9,460 miles of line spans across 17 counties with nine service centers located in Benton, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Decatur, Spring City, Crossville, Monterey, Jamestown and Byrdstown.  The cooperative currently has a staff of over 150 employees.

VEC not only provides electric services to its members but is aggressively working to bring broadband internet services to its under served members through a fiber to the home partnership with Twin Lakes.  Currently, these broadband services are available in portions of Bradley, Hamilton, Meigs, McMinn, Roane, Cumberland and Putnam counties and it continues to grow.  VEC continues to seek both Federal and State grant opportunities along with partnering with local community leaders to identify funds to utilize for construction and growth of the fiber optic network.  Current fiber projects totaling $6.2 million have been awarded and are in the planning or construction phase.  Recently, VEC has submitted for additional grants totaling over $125 million for future fiber optic broadband expansion.  If these projects are approved, this could provide more than 12,000 under-served homes and businesses, across VEC service area, with broadband service.

The Board of Directors of Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC) is seeking a highly innovative, intuitive and progressive leader to become the next President – Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  VEC’s President/CEO will represent the cooperative with collaboration and transparency to its board of directors, employees, member-owners, suppliers and the community. The new President/CEO will use his/her proven leadership skills to cultivate a culture of integrity, teamwork, trust and innovation both inside and outside the organization.  He/she will be an excellent motivator and a champion of change, with an extraordinary ability to properly align VEC’s vision and strategic initiatives with the current and future operational objectives and metrics. 

Successful President/CEO candidates will have an extensive background working in an electric distribution cooperative, with a strong focus on understanding power supply, regulatory compliance, financial performance all while driving a strong sense of action and accountability.  The new President/CEO will also stay ever ready and engaged with the technological transformation of the electric and broadband industries and the opportunities available to the cooperative. 

As VEC’s top executive, the President/CEO will be a highly credible and accountable leader both internally and externally and must continually reflect the Seven Cooperative principles, values and culture.   The President/CEO provides leadership, advice, and assistance to the Board of Directors concerning industry changes, strategic planning, business objectives and policy needs that will support the organization’s mission, vision and values.  He/she is responsible for creating an environment that encourages teambuilding and a cohesive work environment between the Board, management and employees.  The President/CEO also directs VEC’s day-to-day operations and activities to ensure that the business of the cooperative is conducted in accordance with VEC’s bylaws, policies, strategic plans and business objectives while continuing to focus on the best interest of the members.  The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the cooperative delivers superior service to the membership while also ensuring VEC has a strong presence and advocacy in the communities it serves.

The President/CEO will have an exceptional track record in working with a Board of Directors and the cooperative’s employees to build a future of innovation, growth and performance excellence, while fostering a culture that rewards performance.  This position will foster development of others through succession planning and goal setting.  It is essential that this individual relates to the cooperative through a high degree of approachability and interpersonal skills.

Experience and Expertise

• Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, engineering, accounting and finance or related degree. Advanced degree a plus.
• 10 years of experience in the electric utility industry
• Minimum of 3-5 years serving in a leadership role. CEO/GM experience a plus.
• Graduate from NRECA’s Management Internship Program and/or completion of the TVPPA Power Executive program is a plus but not required.

Work Locations

The President/CEO position will be located at the corporate facility and must reside on the cooperative service territory.

VEC’s corporate office is located in Decatur, TN (Meigs County) and is part of the majestic foothills of East Tennessee.  Centrally located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Meigs County is known as the “Shoreline Community” as the great Tennessee River flows along the Western border of the County.  Watts Bar Lake, a 39,000-acre recreation area as well as the famous Hiwassee River also borders this small county providing a wide variety of recreational activities and some of the most scenic areas in the Southeast. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast, an avid golfer or just enjoy taking a drive through the beautiful Smoky Mountains this community has a lot to offer. 

Benefits

We are committed in providing all employees with an attractive and competitive benefit package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, annual leave and sick leave.

Our retirement savings plan is highly competitive that includes a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

VEC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Participant of the Tennessee Drug Free Work Place.

• Vision and Strategic Orientation
• Exceptional Communication Skills
• Lead Change and Manage Risk
• Commitment to the Seven Cooperative Principles
• Demonstrated Integrity
• Strong Focus on Safety
• Strong Leadership and Management Skills
• Committed to Employee Development
• Industry knowledge and leadership; with a broad understanding of legislative and regulatory issues in current electric utility environment
• Strong Focus on Financial Issues
• Results Driven
• Member Focus
• Analytical Thinking and Decision Making