Chief Executive Officer – Baldwin EMC

The Board of Trustees at Baldwin Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is in search of a dynamic, principled, forward-thinking leader to serve as the cooperative’s next Chief Executive Officer. The preferred start date is mid-August 2024 or later.

BEMC has partnered with GreatCo-Ops (www.greatcoops.com) to assist with the search.

The cooperative is seeking a CEO who will exhibit outstanding leadership, superior communication, and strong relationship building.  The candidate must be strategy-minded and capable of working collaboratively to continue shaping a shared vision for BEMC’s future.  The CEO will be charged with nurturing an organizational culture that empowers the BEMC team of 218 employees to continue to thrive and deliver exceptional member service.

A firm commitment to ethics, safety, and BEMC’s values is imperative. It is vital for the CEO to be a self-aware team player.

The CEO of BEMC will be responsible for directing the cooperative towards outstanding performance in organizational culture, safety, service, reliability, operations, and fiscal strength. The individual must possess the necessary leadership skills to cultivate sound relationships with the board, employees, co-op members, regulatory agencies, legislators, energy providers, the statewide, and other stakeholders.

About Baldwin EMC

Baldwin EMC supplies electric service to more than 85,000 meters throughout Baldwin County and southern Monroe County in southwestern Alabama.  Their service territory is located between Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.  Corporate headquarters is in Summerdale, and the cooperative has district offices in Orange Beach and Bay Minette.  BEMC is the largest electric cooperative in Alabama and is growing.

The cooperative’s focus on delivering an exceptional member experience is evident in BEMC’s 2023 ACSI score of 94, placing it among the leading cooperatives in the nation in member satisfaction.

BEMC’s wholesale energy needs are served by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, a Generation and Transmission cooperative located in Andalusia, Alabama. PowerSouth is member-owned by 16 electric cooperatives and four municipal electric systems in Alabama and northwest Florida. Using primarily natural gas generation, PowerSouth also uses some coal, solar, hydro, and nuclear to provide reliable and affordable energy to its members.

Employees work a 9/80 schedule such that they have every other Friday off.

BEMC has a longstanding commitment to being a good citizen of the communities it serves.  As part of its commitment to community involvement, all full-time Baldwin EMC employees are given nine hours of annual community service leave.  Over the years, Baldwin employees have donated thousands of hours performing community service and made a difference in the lives of countless individuals.

The co-op’s governance comes from seven highly engaged, committed, and experienced trustees who look forward to working collaboratively with the cooperative’s next CEO to continue to build on BEMC’s legacy of excellence.

For additional information about Baldwin EMC, please visit their website at baldwinemc.com.

About the Region

Southern Alabama is known for its hospitality, culture, and charm.  Baldwin County is part of the 7th fastest-growing metro area in the U.S., and it is easy to see why so many are drawn to the area.  BEMC’s unique location offers opportunities to enjoy the pristine beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, explore the natural beauty of the many nearby parks and waterways, hunt and fish in the area, and participate in cultural events throughout the year. The community promotes a healthy work-life balance with a variety of outdoor activities, shopping destinations, entertainment options, and community programs that cater to all ages and interests.

Nearby Mobile and Pensacola offer two regional airport options for easy travel.

Baldwin EMC offers the unique opportunity to lead a top-tier cooperative and live in one of America’s best regions.

Qualifications

Required

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

• Verifiable, successful leadership experience at the Vice President level (or equivalent) or above with an electric utility (We recognize that many utilities refer to those reporting to the CEO/GM as something other than “Vice President.”  In such situations, individuals who are direct reports to the CEO/GM are welcome to apply, and they must be clear that they are a direct report to the CEO/GM in the cover letter or resume.)
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Demonstrated success in building high-performance teams and excellent organizational cultures where employees thrive
• A focus on delivering an outstanding member experience
• The ability to build a workplace that aligns with the vision, values, and policies of BEMC and adheres to federal and state employment regulations
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with boards of trustees, executive teams, employees, and key external stakeholders
• Knowledge in electric utility operations, safety, power supply, member needs and expectations, finance, strategic planning, and risk management
• An understanding of electric utility industry trends, their likely effects on cooperatives, and ways to leverage those trends for the benefit of BEMC and its members
• 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
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Preferred

• A minimum of 5 years of experience at the Vice President level or above within an electric utility, preferably an electric cooperative
• An understanding of the regulatory, political, and legislative environments facing the electric utility industry
• An advanced degree or certification in an area relevant to leading an electric utility, including but not limited to law, management, finance, accounting, economics, or engineering

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a highly competitive salary, BEMC’s new CEO will enjoy the following benefits:  Pension and 401k; medical, dental, cancer, and vision insurance; term life insurance; AD&D insurance; long-term disability insurance; travel accident insurance; company vehicle.

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 is likely to affect BEMC, given the cooperative’s unique characteristics.

Professional references and a personality profile will be requested later for applicants who progress through the process.  Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check.  The selected candidate must also undergo a pre-employment drug test, alcohol test, and physical examination.

Applications are preferred by May 9, 2024, at 5:00 pm Central.  However, applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

BEMC is an equal opportunity employer.