UPDATE, published Oct. 14, 2022:
Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative is looking for a new President and CEO. The PPEC Board of Trustees has re-opened the application window, with the deadline of Nov. 18, 2022. To learn more or apply, visit https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/7Kr76NsFpf/Paulding-Putnam-Electric-Cooperative-CEO
UPDATE, published Oct. 12, 2022:
The Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees met last night (Oct. 11) at PPEC’s office for a special meeting to discuss next steps for the CEO search process. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Executive Search Consultant Leigh Taylor attended the meeting virtually to facilitate. The board decided to re-open the CEO search and expects it to take up to five months to complete. Current President and CEO George Carter has agreed to stay in his position until the search is completed.
The position application window will be open starting Oct. 14 and close Nov. 19, 2022.
Board Chairman Steve McMichael will address PPEC staff at the next regularly scheduled all-employee meeting on Oct. 17. More information will be provided as it becomes available online.
UPDATE, published Oct. 7, 2022 - 4:55 pm:
After much deliberation, Steve Kahle has rescinded his acceptance of the PPEC CEO position. The PPEC Board of Trustees thanks him for his consideration and 14 years of service to the co-op.
The board will host a special meeting next week to discuss next steps with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) search consultant. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Original story, published Oct. 6, 2022 - 8:27 am:
The Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC) Board of Trustees is proud to announce the selection of Mr. Steve Kahle as PPEC President and CEO, effective November 28, 2022.
Kahle has been with PPEC since 2008 and has served in many roles, including his most recent position of Engineering Manager. Kahle is a lifelong resident of Putnam County and is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a major in Agricultural Construction Systems Management (ACSM) and a minor in Agriculture Business. He lives in Glandorf, Ohio, with his wife, Katie, and three children: William, Benjamin, and Jackson.
Kahle has earned several national and statewide industry certifications including the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) highest achievement of the Management Internship Program or MIP.
Current PPEC CEO George Carter will retire in early January 2023 after nearly 35 years in the electric cooperative industry, including the last 17 years at Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative. George and his wife, Debra, plan to continue living in rural Paulding.
The Board of Trustees utilized Ms. Leigh Taylor from NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process. Applications were received from coast to coast. The process took approximately 6 months, as the board worked diligently to make sure the cooperative continued to be led with a mission-driven focus.
“Steve Kahle has proven to be an effective leader in his 14 years at the cooperative,” Board Chairman Steve McMichael commented. “We are proud to promote from our current team, especially given the highly competitive pool of candidates. The board is excited to work with Steve as PPEC continues to safely provide our member-owners and our communities with quality electric service, sustainable energy solutions, and superior customer service at fair and reasonable prices.”
CEO George Carter supports the board’s decision and is committed to assisting with a smooth transition.
“Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative is a great organization with fantastic employees; it has been my greatest honor to be the President and CEO at PPEC,” Carter said. “I have the utmost respect for Steve and believe he will do an outstanding job as the next CEO. I will assist him in every way through the transition process.”
Kahle will become PPEC’s 5th President and CEO during the co-op’s 86-year history.
“2023 will bring a new era to Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative’s rich history,” McMichael said. “Mr. Carter has contributed greatly to the cooperative and to the community during his 17-year tenure. Though his leadership will be missed, George’s retirement leaves PPEC in a very strong financial and operational position. The board appreciates George’s service and leadership since 2005.”