Jason Smith Sr. brings 22 years of industry experience to his new role as chief executive officer and general manager of the Jasper County REMC.

The board of directors announced the new leader of the electric distribution cooperative on May 18. Smith will begin working June 3.

“Jason is a leader whose knowledge, experience and commitment to the cooperative principles stand out,” said Bart Nesius, Jasper County REMC Board President, in a press release. “He is a clear and effective communicator, a proven change agent, and someone who sets high expectations while holding teams accountable.”

Smith credits his time in the United States Marine Corps as a guiding experience.

“As a veteran, I value the importance of mission and community, and I look forward to building on Jasper County REMC’s solid foundation to support our employees and carry this organization’s legacy forward,” Smith said

He most recently worked at the Berkeley Electric Cooperative in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, as the director of corporate services and previously, manager of safety and loss control.

“Just as important as his strong leadership abilities, his electric cooperative experience spans multiple operational areas, giving him a well-rounded perspective that will benefit Jasper County REMC and its member-consumers,” Nesius said.

Smith also trained utility workers as the lead safety instructor at the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. And, he worked in the field as a meter technician, journeyman lineman and crew foreman.

“My field experience, focus on safety and background in corporate management have shaped my approach to leadership,” Smith said.

Smith earned a bachelor's degree in applied science from Florida Southwestern State College, and an MBA from The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina.

Violet Sistovaris served as interim leader of the Rensselaer cooperative. It serves more than 8,600 customers in Jasper and parts of White, Starke, Pulaski, Porter and Newton counties,