The DEMCO Board of Directors has named Mark Phillips as the cooperative’s next Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.

In partnership with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, DEMCO's Board conducted a nationwide executive search that attracted a talented pool of applicants. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, ten finalists were selected for consideration.

“The Board approached this decision with a clear focus on DEMCO’s future and our responsibility to the members we serve,” said Danny Berthelot, President of the DEMCO Board of Directors. “We were committed to finding a leader who understands the cooperative business model, values strong relationships, and has the experience and vision needed to guide DEMCO through continued growth and an evolving energy industry.”

Phillips has more than 25 years of experience at DEMCO, with a career focused on electric utility operations, system planning, and infrastructure development. Most recently serving as DEMCO’s Chief Engineering and Operations Officer, Phillips led the department responsible for planning, maintaining, and advancing the cooperative’s electric system.

His experience includes oversight of major projects within DEMCO’s construction work plans, including transmission and distribution upgrades, substation improvements, technology advancements, and reliability-focused system investments.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving DEMCO, our members, and the employees who power this organization every day,” said Phillips. “I look forward to building on the progress we have made, strengthening our cooperative, and making decisions that support reliability, affordability, innovation, and the long-term needs of our members.”

Phillips succeeds Randy Pierce, who announced his retirement earlier this year after a 42-year career in the electric cooperative industry, including eight years as DEMCO’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.

“DEMCO has a strong foundation because of the leadership, planning, and dedication of those who have served before us,” Berthelot said. “The Board is grateful for Randy Pierce’s leadership and the progress made during his tenure. As we begin this next chapter, we remain focused on providing safe, reliable, and competitively priced electric service while continuing to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.”