Executive Director

Southwestern Power Resources Association

The Board of Directors of the Southwestern Power Resources Association (SPRA) seeks a visionary leader with a demonstrated commitment to protecting the federal hydropower system, and who possesses strong interpersonal skills to become the next Executive Director. The SPRA Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.

About Southwestern Power Resources Association

SPRA is a membership organization that was formed in 1957 by rural electric cooperatives and public power systems in the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas to represent their interests and to provide advocacy for the federal hydropower program in these states.  The federal hydropower program in these states is marketed by the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), one of four power marketing administrations of the DOE; and is generated at 24 hydroelectric generating stations operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps).  These hydropower facilities produce over 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours of energy annually and benefit more than 10 million end users that are served by the municipalities, electric cooperatives, and military installations to which SWPA markets wholesale power and energy.

Today SPRA continues its mission of service to its 106 members by working to ensure adequate funding for the operation and maintenance of hydropower facilities and the associated transmission system, and the recovery of costs through appropriate cost-based rates by SWPA.

In this regard SPRA has a record of significant accomplishments on behalf of its membership. It supports appropriations for both the Army Corps and SWPA for water development studies, project construction, operation and maintenance, and federal power marketing activities. SPRA worked to develop a tri-party Memorandum of Agreement with SWPA and the Army Corps, allowing SPRA members to directly fund work necessary to ensure the reliability of hydropower projects.

SPRA has been a major force in defending policies that were enacted by Congress to ensure the benefits of national water resources development are retained by the public.

SPRA activities have benefited millions of rural and small-town electric consumers, while providing solid support for repayment of the federal investment in the power facilities in a consistent and timely manner. Grassroots support by its membership has assured the continued flow of federal power to the region on a not-for-profit basis.

To facilitate communications with SWPA, SPRA has established its headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  SPRA employs two full-time employees and supplements this staff with consultants and contract support from its membership.  SPRA works in close conjunction with the American Public Power Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and statewide public power organizations to protect the federal hydropower program for its intended purpose.

The Executive Director of SPRA provides leadership, advice, and assistance to the Board of Directors and various member committees concerning legislative developments, industry changes, strategic planning, business objectives, and policy needs that support SPRA’s mission now and in the future.  The Executive Director is SPRA’s primary spokesperson and represents SPRA in meetings and events with SWPA and the Army Corps program managers, with federal and state legislators, and with local government officials where projects are located.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the position of Executive Director at SPRA will have a proven track record of protecting and promoting the federal hydropower program, strong advocacy skills, and experience working with a board of directors.

Leadership Competencies

• Ability to think strategically and position SPRA for future success.
• Demonstrated expertise in building strong relationships with a board of directors.
• A dedication to, and experience in, helping staff resources achieve their full potential.
• Knowledge of federal hydropower, its legislatively intended purpose and the benefits it provides.
• Ability to establish relationships with various federal, state and local leaders and to advocate on behalf of the federal hydropower program.
• The aptitude to work with the staff of SWPA and with the staff of the Army Corps to achieve positive operational and financial results for the benefit of SPRA’s membership.
• Strong communication skills with the board, committees, employees, members, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial controls, and methods to provide transactional visibility to members of the governing body.
• Understanding of risk management principles and audit practices associated with large value trust funds.
• Ability to motivate member representatives to build strong teams and working committees to effect positive outcomes.
• Ability to establish and achieve challenging goals.
• A willingness to work hard and lead by example.

Experience and Expertise

• A Bachelor’s Degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• An advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred but not required.

• Education or Experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering, or Law is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in the electric utility industry is preferred.
• Leadership experience at the executive level is preferred but not required.
• An understanding of the dynamics of the federal hydropower program is preferred.
• Knowledge of regional issues related to SWPA and the Army Corps is preferred.

Our Location

Tulsa, with a population of over 400,000 residents, serves as the county seat and business center for Tulsa County.   It is the second largest city in the state, behind only Oklahoma City.  Historically the energy sector fueled Tulsa's economy; however, today the city has diversified and leading sectors include finance, aviation, telecommunications and technology.

Tulsa is situated on the Arkansas River and offers much to do for its residents.  Museums, restaurants, shopping and entertainment options abound.  Tulsa is considered the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma with full-time professional opera and ballet companies.  Multiple institutions of higher education exist within Tulsa including the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University.  Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating all exist within the area including at Sequoyah State Park and nearby Lake Eufaula, the largest lake in Oklahoma. 

Tulsa International Airport provides easy travel options to and from the area.

Our Benefits

SPRA provides its Executive Director with an attractive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision and prescription drug insurance for both the employee and their dependents.  The retirement package is highly competitive and includes both a 401k plan with SPRA matching contributions and SPRA funded participation in the NRECA pension plan.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

How to Apply

Applications must be received by May 12, 2025 and are required to include the following: 1) Cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information, including email addresses, for 3 professional references. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Luttrell, NRECA Executive Search, Email:  david.luttrell-contractor@nreca.coop.

All replies are confidential.

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