Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees recently named Shane Burgess as Chief Executive Officer after completing a nationwide search, resulting in more than 50 applicants. 

“The board of trustees has many responsibilities to the cooperative and its members,” said James Wells, Central board president. “None of these has a greater impact on the cooperative than the selection of the CEO. The board is pleased to welcome Shane to Central and is excited for the cooperative’s future. We would especially like to thank the employees for their hard work and patience during this process as they kept everything running smoothly.”

Burgess is an 18-year veteran of the cooperative world and is the Manager of Engineering at Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc. and BOLT Fiber. Recognizing the core business model of the cooperative, Burgess has focused on proactive maintenance, reliability, affordability and safety throughout his career, and has a passion for serving members. 

After graduating high school from Wyandotte, Okla., he completed studies at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami, Okla., and received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.

Burgess and his wife of 21 years have two teenage children. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and hauling his children to livestock shows and FFA activities.  He currently serves as the President of the Welch Public Schools Board of Education and was a member of the Welch Volunteer Fire Department for nearly nine years.

“I’m honored and thrilled to step into the role of CEO at Central,” Burgess said. “Together, we’ll continue to build on the legacy of excellence, fostering collaboration and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our members and community.”

Burgess will assume the role of CEO March 24.