After a nearly 48-year career in the electric cooperative industry, Pella Cooperative Electric Association (PCEA) Chief Executive Officer Jon K. Miles will retire effective August 31, 2021.

Miles joined PCEA as CEO in 2016. During his time at the cooperative, Miles has served on the Association Services Committee and as former chairman of the Manager’s Section for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. He currently serves on the Work Smart Board and as Vice President on the Pella Area Community Economic Alliance in the local Pella community.

Miles holds years of experience in various roles in the electric utility industry. Prior to PCEA, Miles worked as CEO of Choctaw Electric Cooperative in Hugo, Oklahoma. In his years of service to the industry, he has also worked in several positions that included journeyman lineman, lobbyist for a statewide association and managed rural electric cooperatives in five states. 

“It has been an honor and privilege to have spent my entire career in the rural electrification industry.  I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the membership at Pella Cooperative Electric.   I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the board of directors and such a talented group of employees.   The cooperative is well-staffed and well-positioned to transition to new leadership at Pella Cooperative Electric” Miles commented.

According to PCEA Board President Duane Ver Ploeg, Miles has led the cooperative through successful strategic planning, paving a way for the cooperative to adapt and grow with a changing industry.

“The Board of Directors thanks Jon for his strategic vision, leadership, and dedication to the cooperative. We wish Jon the best of luck in his retirement,” PCEA Board President Duane Ver Ploeg stated.

The Board of Directors have begun the important process of planning for succession and selecting an individual to fill the CEO position. Additional announcements will occur regarding the succession of the next CEO in future months.