Southwest Electric Cooperative Announces Resignation of CEO James Ashworth; Ted Zeugin Appointed Interim CEO
The Board of Directors of Southwest Electric Cooperative announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer James Ashworth, effective Friday, June 26, 2026. Ashworth has accepted the position of CEO at Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative, the regional generation and transmission cooperative that supplies power to Southwest Electric Cooperative and eight other distribution cooperatives in the region.
Ashworth concludes a distinguished nearly 40-year career at Southwest, including 18 years of visionary leadership as CEO. Under his guidance, the cooperative achieved historic milestones in grid reliability, technological innovation, financial stability, and safety improvements.
"While we are sad to see James leave our local cooperative, we are thrilled that he will continue to champion our rural communities in his new role," said Daniel Mauss, Board President of Southwest Electric Cooperative. "Because Sho-Me Power provides our wholesale electricity, James will remain directly connected to our system. His deep understanding of our distribution network will strengthen the vital partnership between our power supplier and our local members."
"Southwest is not just where I have worked — it is where I have grown up professionally, built lifelong friendships, watched our families grow up together and had the privilege of witnessing so many of you do extraordinary things. I have watched this team grow into something truly incredible,” said Ashworth. “The strength of Southwest has never lived in any one person. It lives in everyone here. In their dedication, talent, and shared commitment to the mission we have built together. From the boardroom to the front line, I have never been prouder of what this team has become, and I have never been more confident in what is ahead. I truly believe the best days are ahead.”
Ashworth continued, "I am incredibly proud of what we have built together. Moving to Sho-Me Power allows me to leverage this experience on a broader scale while ensuring that our local members continue to receive reliable, affordable, and safe power."
To ensure a seamless transition, the Board of Directors has appointed Ted Zeugin as Interim CEO, effective June 29, 2026. Zeugin brings 30 years of dedicated service to the cooperative, including nearly 20 years in senior management roles.
"The Board has total confidence in Ted’s ability to lead our exceptional team during this transition period," added Mauss. "His extensive operational knowledge and executive experience ensure that our daily service, safety standards, and member support will continue without interruption."
The Board of Directors will immediately begin the process to choose the next CEO.
Further updates regarding the selection process will be shared with cooperative members and stakeholders as they become available.
About Southwest Electric Cooperative
Southwest Electric Cooperative is a community-focused organization led by our members.
Founded in 1939 by local people who understood the needs of our rural communities. Today, we work to distribute affordable, reliable, and safe energy to parts of eleven counties in southwest Missouri, totaling about 45,000 services. We continue to be led by our members as we belong to the communities we serve. A nine-member board of directors, elected by our members every year at our annual meeting, serves as the foundation of local control.
