My Upcoming Retirement and Gratitude to the Members

At the end of the year, I will be retiring as the General Manager of Western Cooperative. Serving this cooperative and its members has been a privilege.

I joined Western Cooperative Electric in 2018, and from the very beginning, I knew this was a true red, white, and blue cooperative that was focused in its members. What has made this journey so meaningful is not just the work we’ve accomplished together but the relationships we’ve built along the way. Whether you’re an employee, board member, or valued member of our cooperative, each of you has played a significant part in shaping a great cooperative, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

During my tenure, I have had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated and talented team to lead Western through challenges and successes. Together, we’ve faced natural disasters, Covid, an evolving energy landscape, navigated advancements in technology, and always prioritized what’s best for our members.

But what I will cherish most are the personal connections we’ve made. From attending member meetings, serving on the Board of Sunflower, to simply talking with many of you on the phone, I’ve been fortunate to get to know so many of you—not just as members but as friends. Your support, trust, and feedback have made all the difference in guiding our cooperative toward a brighter future.

As I step away from this role, I do so with full confidence in the team we have in place and the cooperative’s direction established by the Board of Trustees. Western Cooperative Electric remains deeply committed to serving you. I know that the leadership and staff here will continue to build on the foundation built almost 80 years ago, ensuring that our cooperative remains a trusted partner in your lives.

Western Cooperative Electric initiated a comprehensive search for the next CEO last June. We’ve partnered with Ken Holmes Executive Search Firm, based in Salina, to identify a successor who will continue the cooperative’s legacy of excellence and member-focused service. This process will ensure that Western Cooperative is led by someone who shares the same commitment to cooperative principles, is aligned with the strategic direction established by the board and will remain focused on creating value for members.

Though I am retiring from my position, I will always have a deep appreciation for this cooperative and its people. I look forward to the future but will miss the daily interactions, challenges, and successes that we have accomplished together.

The members of Western are outstanding, and their character is exemplified by their patience and goodness as we restore energy in the face of many severe storms. It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Western Cooperative Electric, and I look forward to seeing the cooperative continue to grow and succeed in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Tom Ruth