Pella Cooperative Electric Association Appoints New CEO

PELLA, IA – Jon Miles of Oklahoma has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer by the Pella Cooperative Electric Association (PCEA) board of directors. Jon will start on March 21. He succeeds John Smith, who will retire on March 31 after 25 years of dedicated service to the Cooperative.

“I’m honored to have been selected by the PCEA board of directors as the new CEO,” stated Miles. “I look forward to engaging with the Cooperative’s members throughout the system and to continue moving the organization in a positive direction.”

Miles has over 25 years of experience in the electric utility industry, most recently as the CEO for Choctaw Electric Cooperative in Hugo, Oklahoma. His experience within the industry is a cross-sectional path of journeyman lineman, lobbyist and general manager/CEO. Miles demonstrates the ability to rapidly achieve short and long-term organizational goals while negotiating the ever changing utility industry. He has demonstrated dedication to the members of his cooperatives by reaching out into the community, organizing focus groups for input and serving on local organizations and boards.

“We were very impressed with the depth of knowledge and qualifications Jon Miles brings to the position, and we’re confident he will provide exceptional leadership to our Cooperative,” said Duane Ver Ploeg, PCEA board president. “At the same time, we thank retiring CEO John Smith for his 25 years of exemplary service to the PCEA and its members.”

Pella Cooperative Electric Association serves more than 3,000 member in Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, Poweshiek and Warren counties. The Cooperative has a long standing commitment to be active within the communities served and to provide exceptional service every day. PCEA has worked diligently to provide quality, cost-effective and reliable electric service to rural Iowa since 1936. The electric cooperative is governed by a seven-member board elected by the member-owners of PCEA.