Posted: 02-Mar-26
Location: Winchester, Kentucky
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
Additional Information:
Internal Number: 5390
EKPC Company Information
Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We're leaders in environmental stewardship and we're committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.
As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.
EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.
For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc
EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Key Roles
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) provides strategic and operational leadership for information technology, information security, and data services for East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC). As a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, the organization relies on dependable, secure, and cost-effective technology to support reliable power supply, transmission operations, and high-quality service to its Member Distribution Cooperatives. The CTO ensures that technology investments align with the Cooperative Principles, support system reliability and safety, and deliver long-term value to the membership.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Develop and maintain a long-range information technology and digital strategy that supports the Cooperative’s strategic plan and the needs of its Member Distribution Cooperatives.
- Advise the President/CEO and executive leadership team on technology risks, opportunities, and industry trends affecting rural electric cooperatives.
- Establish and oversee IT governance, policies, standards, and project prioritization to ensure responsible stewardship of member resources.
- Lead the IT Steering committee
- Develop and maintain the people, processes and technology needed for EKPC to evaluate and utilize AI tools and related data.
Information Technology & Operational Technology (IT/OT)
- Provide executive oversight of enterprise systems supporting finance, accounting, billing interfaces, power supply planning, human resources, supply chain, engineering, GIS, asset management, and communications.
- Partner with Operations and Engineering leadership to support operational technology systems, including SCADA, EMS, substation communications, and generation control systems.
- Ensure system reliability, redundancy, backup, and disaster recovery for all mission-critical applications.
Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance
- Lead the Cooperative’s cybersecurity and information security program to protect critical infrastructure and member data.
- Ensure compliance with applicable reliability and security standards, including NERC CIP and other federal and state regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate cyber incident response, tabletop exercises, audits, and reporting in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
Data, Analytics & Member Support
- Promote effective use of data, reporting, and analytics to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and service to Member Distribution Cooperatives.
- Support secure data sharing and system integration with Member Cooperatives, power suppliers, and industry partners.
- Encourage responsible adoption of new technologies that enhance grid reliability and operational insight while respecting cooperative risk tolerance.
Financial Stewardship & Vendor Management
- Prepare and manage the IT operating and capital budgets, ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility.
- Negotiate and oversee contracts with software providers, system integrators, telecommunications carriers, and managed service providers.
- Evaluate shared services, cooperative purchasing programs, and strategic partnerships to reduce costs and improve service.
Leadership & Cooperative Culture
- Lead, develop, and mentor IT staff, promoting teamwork, safety, accountability, and professional growth.
- Foster a service-oriented culture that emphasizes collaboration with internal departments and Member Distribution Cooperatives.
- Support the Cooperative’s commitment to safety, community, and the Seven Cooperative Principles.
Artificial Intelligence Strategy
- Lead the Cooperative’s responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data tools to support operations, efficiency, and member service.
- Identify practical AI applications that improve decision-making while aligning with the Cooperative’s mission and values.
- Ensure AI systems are used ethically, securely, and in compliance with Cooperative policies, laws, and regulations.
- Oversee data quality, security, and technology needed to support AI and analytics tools.
- Communicate AI benefits, risks, and expectations clearly to leadership, the Board, and staff.
- Monitor AI performance and recommend improvements to ensure reliability, transparency, and value.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Key Requirements
Education and Certifications / Licenses:
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
- CISSP, CISM, or other cybersecurity certification.
- PMP or equivalent project management certification.
- ITIL, COBIT, or similar IT governance frameworks.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in information technology, including senior leadership roles.
- Prior experience in an electric cooperative, public power utility, or electric utility environment strongly preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated vision with ability to align initiatives with the utility’s mission.
- Demonstrated knowledge of rural cooperative operations and governance, electric utility IT/OT environments, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, regulatory compliance (NERC CIP), enterprise applications, and large-scale infrastructure systems.
- Strong leadership skills with proven ability to manage, develop, and motivate staff.
- Effectively delegates work amongst staff, manages time, and adheres to deadlines.
- Provides thorough and timely communication to leadership and staff.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization, including external contacts.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills including public speaking and presentation skills.
- Excellent project planning and project management skills required.
- Strong customer relations orientation.
- Adaptable, forward-thinking, and able to lead through change.
- Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word.
- High level of discretion with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
Competencies
- Building Strategic Working Relationships
- Strategic Decision Making
- Leading Through Vision and Values
- Building Customer Loyalty
- Planning and Organizing
Working Conditions
- Office-based with periodic travel to generation plants, substations, transmission facilities, and member distribution cooperatives.
- Work outside normal schedule will be necessary.
- Must maintain valid driver’s license.
- Must wear personal protective equipment as applicable.