Cassady to lead statewide electric cooperative trade association

Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ (IEC) board of directors announced John Cassady as the association’s next chief executive officer. Currently executive vice president of member and stakeholder relations of Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA), Cassady will become CEO of the 88-year-old organization March 15.

“I am honored for the opportunity to lead a member organization with such a rich history and tradition as Indiana Electric Cooperatives,” said Cassady. “I am grateful to IEC’s board of directors for entrusting me with this responsibility and I am excited to work with IEC’s exceptional team in service to our 38 member cooperatives and the communities served by them.”

Cassady joined WVPA in 2021, where he managed corporate communication, economic development, member relations and relationships with key external stakeholders. He also led federal and state advocacy efforts on issues impacting the organization’s operations and business interests. Before joining WVPA, he served the electric cooperative industry as vice president of legislative affairs at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and as director of government affairs at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. His professional experience also includes serving as a legislative assistant for former Ohio U.S. Representative Deborah Pryce; as a legislative liaison for the Office of Ohio Consumers’ Counsel; and on caucus staff for the Republican Caucus of the Ohio House of Representatives.

“We are excited to welcome someone with John’s depth of experience in public policy and the electric cooperative industry as the leader for IEC,” said Randy Kleaving, president of the IEC board of directors. “His professional experience will strengthen the association’s service for our members as we meet together the many challenges and opportunities facing our industry.”

Cassady earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University, a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University, and a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School. He is a member of the Ohio and D.C. bar.