Find & Apply For Chief Executive Officer Jobs in Monroe, Georgia

The Board of Directors at Walton EMC is actively seeking a principled, experienced, and innovative leader to assume the pivotal role of Chief Executive Officer. The preferred start date is February 1, 2027. Walton EMC has partnered with GreatCo-Ops (www.greatcoops.com) to assist with the search. Walton EMC is seeking a CEO who demonstrates exceptional leadership, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to build and sustain relationships. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset and a collaborative approach to shaping the cooperative's future. This leader will foster an organizational culture that empowers Walton's 269 employees to excel and deliver outstanding service to members. The CEO must exemplify integrity, safety, and the cooperative principles that define Walton EMC, grounding every decision in transparency, accountability, and service to members. This leader should bring strong self-awareness that cultivates teamwork and supports Walton's mission of delivering reliable, affordable energy and exceptional member service. The CEO will champion excellence across culture, safety, service, reliability, operations, and financial performance. Success in this role depends on the ability to build and sustain strong relationships with the board, employees, members, business partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders. About Walton EMC Walton EMC, headquartered in Monroe, Georgia, with additional offices in Snellville and Watkinsville, is guided by cooperative principles and a mission centered on service. Walton exists to improve the quality of life for its members by providing dependable energy solutions and operating with integrity, innovation, and financial stewardship. Joining Walton EMC means becoming part of a respected, forward-looking organization that values teamwork, accountability, and exceptional member service. Today, Walton EMC is one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation, serving more than 145,000 accounts in 10 northeast Georgia counties. The cooperative maintains 7,550 miles of energized line, supporting a diverse mix of residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial members. Walton EMC also owns Walton Gas, which provides natural gas to approximately 75,000 consumers. Walton EMC is also part owner in EMC Security, which provides security solutions to homes and businesses across Georgia, and in Georgia Right of Way, which provides right‑of‑way clearance, maintenance, and emergency services for its utility members. The cooperative's commitment to community runs deep. Walton EMC invests in local youth through scholarships, the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour, and school partnerships; supports community and economic development initiatives; and administers Operation Round Up, which has distributed almost $10 million to local nonprofits, families, and community projects. These efforts reflect Walton EMC's belief that strong communities and strong cooperatives grow together. Walton EMC is led by a nine-member, member-elected board of directors that provides experienced governance and long-term strategic direction. The board of directors looks forward to working closely with the next CEO to continue advancing the cooperative's mission and service to its members. About the Region Walton EMC is named for Walton County, one of the ten counties the EMC serves. The closest city to the main office is Monroe, Georgia, which serves as the county seat of Walton County. The city is framed by historic neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and a traditional downtown that reflects its deep Southern roots. Located approximately 45 miles east of Atlanta and about 25 miles southwest of Athens, Monroe offers the charm and pace of a small town. In addition to Walton County, Walton EMC's service territory includes portions of the following Georgia counties: Athens-Clarke Barrow DeKalb Greene Gwinnett Morgan Newton Oconee Rockdale The cooperative also provides service to any large commercial and/or industrial customer (over 900 kVA load) regardless of location in the state of Georgia. These ten counties vary dramatically in population, community, economics, industry, and culture. Gwinnett is home to over a million people and is a quintessential suburban-to-urban transition county. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, it is in the top 50 most populous counties and in the top 10 of the most diverse in the United States. On the other end of the population spectrum, beautiful Greene County in Georgia's "Lake Country" has within its borders portions of two beautiful lakes, Oconee and Sinclair. It is a rural county with a population of approximately 21,200 residents. Oconee County is a growing and thriving county whose public schools were named in the 2026 Niche rankings as the #1 County School District in Georgia with a rating of A+. The Oconee County school district has been ranked as #1 county school districts in the U.S. in recent national surveys. Athens/Clarke County is home to the University of Georgia and the "Dawgs." There is nothing better than being a Dawg fan, just ask them! DeKalb County is near the heart of metro-Atlanta, which is home to exceptional pro sports teams, arts, theatre, museums, historic churches, exceptional restaurants, and many universities and colleges, including the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University. For all of Walton EMC's counties, agriculture continues to play a role while modern industries and logistics benefit from proximity to Atlanta. Healthcare providers, local employers, and access to nearby regional hospitals and professional networks contribute to economic stability and opportunity for all residents. The majority of Walton EMC's territory includes easy access to parks, trails, scenic back roads, and wide-open green spaces that make outdoor recreation part of everyday life. Residents can spend their free time fishing local lakes and ponds, hiking quiet wooded trails, and exploring the rolling farmland and rural back roads that define the area. There are scenic routes ideal for cycling, running, photography outings, and nature walks, with the region's mild climate supporting year-round activity. Walton EMC is located about 50 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world's busiest airports. This proximity provides convenient access to extensive domestic and international travel options, making both professional and personal travel easy. Qualifications Required Applications from those who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

• Verifiable, successful executive-level experience within the energy sector
• An unwavering commitment to transparency and ethical conduct
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• A clear emphasis on ensuring a strong safety culture and safety outcomes
• 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 Walton EMC's vision, values, and policies and adheres to federal and state employment regulations
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with boards of directors, executive teams, employees, and key external stakeholders
• The ability to represent Walton EMC effectively with members, business partners, professional associations, lenders, government officials, the statewide association, regulatory bodies, and other key stakeholders
• 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 Preferred
• A minimum of five years of experience at the executive level within the energy sector
• An advanced degree in an area relevant to leading an electric cooperative
• An understanding of electric utility industry trends, their likely effects on cooperatives, and ways to leverage those trends to benefit Walton EMC and its members Compensation and Benefits In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus potential, Walton EMC's new CEO will enjoy the following benefits: 401(k) and 457(b); possible supplemental executive retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; wellness center; business travel accident insurance; paid holidays; PTO; and a vehicle allowance or company-provided 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 will likely affect Walton EMC, given the cooperative's unique characteristics. Professional references will be requested later for progressing applicants, though applicants are welcome to provide names and contact information of references in advance if they prefer. Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check. The selected candidate must also undergo a pre-employment drug test, alcohol test, and physical exam. Applications are strongly preferred by September 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. However, applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Walton EMC is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.