General Manager - Columbia Power The Board of Directors of Columbia Power Cooperative (CPC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as its next General Manager. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional operational and financial management skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a strong commitment to serving the cooperative's members and communities. The next General Manager will be responsible for advancing CPC's mission by ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while fostering a culture of operational excellence, sound financial management, and meaningful engagement with the members and communities the cooperative serves. About Columbia Power Cooperative Established in 1948, Columbia Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit, consumer-owned rural electric utility headquartered in Monument, Oregon. For more than 75 years, CPC has pursued a simple mission: to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. Today the cooperative serves 1,084 members across approximately 3,300 square miles, spanning three counties. As a cooperative, CPC is operated for the benefit of its members and governed by a seven-member Board of Directors elected by the membership. Earnings in excess of operating expenses are reinvested in the system or returned to members in the form of capital credits. The cooperative generates approximately $5 million in annual operating revenue and operates with an annual operation and maintenance budget of approximately $3.1 million. With a staff of 12 full-time employees, the cooperative operates and maintains 90 miles of transmission line, 1,200 miles of overhead distribution line, and 23 miles of underground distribution line. The electric system includes more than 13,000 utility poles and four substations that serve a stable system load of approximately 2.4 average megawatts. CPC's members reflect the rural nature of its territory, with a significant number of seniors and medically vulnerable individuals living on fixed incomes. Median household incomes across the counties served by the cooperative are well below state averages, making affordability and reliability essential to the well-being of its members. For CPC, these are not simply operational objectives - they are fundamental commitments that shape every decision and define the cooperative's mission of service. Despite its modest size, CPC must meet the same rigorous federal, state, and local regulatory standards as larger electric utilities throughout Oregon. The cooperative therefore seeks a hands-on, solutions-oriented leader who can effectively balance strategic oversight with day-to-day operational involvement empowering a small but highly capable team to achieve exceptional results. About the Region CPC is headquartered in Monument, Oregon, a small farming community sitting at the confluence of two forks of the John Day River, just off the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway. Monument is a jumping-off point for hiking in the nearby Umatilla National Forest and a stop along the Old West Scenic Bikeway. Learn more about the area at Travel Oregon - Monument. Living in Eastern Oregon means experiencing a lifestyle that blends affordability, wide-open spaces, and unparalleled access to the outdoors. Residents enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and snowmobiling in the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests; scenic drives and wildlife viewing along the John Day River; dark skies and excellent stargazing; and the spectacular John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, one of the state's most unique landscapes. The region offers an exceptional quality of life characterized by a strong sense of community, a welcoming small-town atmosphere, and a pace of life that allows residents to enjoy meaningful personal and professional connections. With minimal traffic, easy access to outdoor recreation, and housing costs that remain affordable compared to Oregon's metropolitan areas, the area is well-suited for individuals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle. Residents enjoy close-knit communities where neighborly support and community involvement are valued. The Board requires that the General Manager live within 30 miles of the cooperative's office at 311 Wilson Street, Monument, OR, with frequent travel across the service territory.

Leadership Competencies Safety Awareness and Participation:

Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to workplace safety by fostering a safety-first culture throughout the organization. Ensures adherence to safety standards and practices while promoting employee engagement in maintaining a safe work environment in both office and field operations.

Strategic Planning and Vision:

Provides forward-thinking leadership by anticipating future challenges and opportunities. Develop and implement long-term strategies that support the cooperative's mission, strengthen organizational performance, and meet the evolving needs of members and communities.

Analytical Thinking and Decision Making:

Applies sound judgement, critical thinking, and data-driven analysis to solve complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make timely decisions that advance the cooperatives goals and objectives.

Financial Stewardship:

Demonstrates strong financial acumen through effective oversight of budgeting, financial planning, rate management, and cost control. Ensures the cooperative's long-term financial health while maintaining a strong focus on affordability and value for members.

Communication:

Communicates clearly, professionally, and transparently with diverse audiences. Builds trust through active listening and fosters mutual understanding among the Board, employees, members, and the community.

Member and Community Focus:

Champions exceptional member service and actively cultivate relationships with cooperative members and communities. Understands and responds to the unique needs of the service territory while advancing the cooperative's mission and reputation.

Relationship Building and Team Leadership:

Creates an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable work environment. Develops strong working relationships, empowers employees, and fosters a positive organizational culture focused on engagement, performance, and continuous improvement.

Adaptability and Resilience:

Leads effectively through changing circumstances, operational challenges, and emergency situations. Demonstrates flexibility, sound judgement, and composure while guiding the organization through both routine and unexpected demands. Commitment to

Cooperative Principles:

Models and promotes the values and principles that define the cooperative business model. Places the interests of members and the cooperative above personal interests and supports decisions that strengthen the organization for the long term.

Integrity and Courage:

Acts with honesty, accountability, and professionalism. Makes difficult decisions, when necessary, demonstrates ethical leadership, and consistently aligns actions with the cooperative's mission, and responsibility to its members. Experience and Expertise Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered. A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible leadership experience in the electric utility industry, electric cooperatives, public power, or a closely related field, including experience leading people, operations, and organizational performance. Demonstrable knowledge of electric utility operations, including electric distribution and transmission systems, reliability, safety, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure planning. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial forecasting, capital planning, rate design, and oversight of organizational resources. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives while balancing operational, financial, and member-service priorities. Exceptional leadership, communication, relationship-building, and decision-making skills. Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and experience promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

NRECA Management Certification or equivalent, Professional Engineer (PE) license, or other relevant utility industry certifications. Understanding of the economic, agricultural, and community dynamics of rural Eastern Oregon and a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with rural communities.

Additional Information:

Benefits CPC offers a competitive pay and benefit package. The annual salary for this position is $180,000 - $200,00 depending on experience.

Benefits include:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage through National Rural Electric Cooperative (NRECA), with 100% of premiums paid by the cooperative. 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan through NRECA, with a 3% of full pay cooperative contribution plus a 2% of full pay employer match on employee contributions. RS (Retirement Security) Pension Plan through NRECA, with a 1.7% cooperative contribution of base pay. Basic Life Insurance (NRECA Plan 1) at 3x annual salary, plus supplemental AD&D at 1x annual salary and Business Travel Accident coverage. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. Optional supplemental life insurance plans. A company vehicle will be provided to the General Manager. Columbia Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Cooperative does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. How to Apply We invite qualified candidates prepared to lead a talented and committed team in delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power to rural Eastern Oregon to submit the following materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three professional references, including email addresses to: atemple@live.com Resumes and cover letters must be received by July 31, 2026, to be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Adam Temple at atemple@live.com. All submissions are confidential.