Reed Christensen is KEC’s Chief Operating & Financial Officer and has worked for KEC for seven years.
What made you interested in working for KEC?
I was drawn to KEC because of its cooperative model and the strong sense of community it fosters. I had worked most of my career for for-profit, publicly-traded corporations and was really drawn to work for an organization that benefits and serves the community. The idea of working for an organization that is owned by the members it serves and focuses on collaboration and shared resources really resonated with me. This dedication to serving the community and ensuring reliability in all circumstances was a significant factor in my decision to join KEC.
Tell us about your educational background and previous work experience that led you to KEC.
I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting with an emphasis in tax. My career began working with a couple of certified public accountant (CPA) firms, one being a “big four” firm called KPMG, where I received my CPA license. I really enjoyed writing and researching technical accounting issues which led to many years of leading Securities and Exchange Commission reporting in various publicly-traded companies. I gradually moved into more managerial roles and leadership opportunities, the last being the Regional Controller of North America at Itron in Spokane Valley. My previous roles and responsibilities were ideal in preparing for my role with KEC, it was a match made in heaven!
What are you responsible for as the Chief Operating and Financial Officer?
In August 2024, the role of Chief Operating Officer, or COO, was added to my role as CFO. I am currently responsible for the accounting and finance, human resources, member services, and safety functions at KEC. I also work closely with the engineering and operations departments and essentially oversee the day-to-day operations of the cooperative. Broadly speaking, my focus is on the tactics and cross-departmental collaboration needed to effectively accomplish the work of the cooperative.
What does a day look like for you as the Chief Operating and Financial Officer?
No two days are the same at KEC! As would be expected, with the enormous amount of coordination with all the departments at KEC, I find myself in quite a few meetings. I have also found my “step count” on my watch has quadrupled since taking on the role of COO as most of the day is spent talking and strategizing with staff on how we can best execute our strategic organizational objectives. The first realization I had in the first couple of months working as COO was the extraordinarily talented and dedicated staff we have at KEC. I cannot speak highly enough of their dedication and desire to serve the members in every regard. There are constant challenges to tackle and priorities requiring attention and I have yet to see them not step up to meet these challenges.
If there is one thing you’d like the average member to know about KEC, what would it be?
I think for anyone who has interacted with KEC, they know about the great employees we have. However, I don’t believe the average member knows about our great board of directors. I have participated in seven years of board meetings at this point, and I wish the members could see the careful consideration and thoughtfulness the board takes in their governance duties. Their real-world knowledge and wisdom are a huge asset to KEC. They have the members’ interest constantly in mind in making oftentimes very difficult decisions. Understanding the complexities of power supply, rate-making, and other complicated issues often take many years to learn, but we are lucky to have board members fully dedicated to making the cooperative an exceptional utility provider.
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
As a traditional accounting/finance professional and a newer COO, I am presented with the unique challenge of balancing both strategic financial oversight and the operational intricacies of running the day-to-day operations of the cooperative. I am also involved in the power supply challenges the cooperative is facing. Ensuring that all sides of the business work in harmony requires constant communication and an ability to pivot quickly as new priorities emerge. The cooperative model, with its emphasis on member service and community, adds an additional layer of responsibility and motivation, as the impact of our work directly affects the lives of our members. Despite the myriad challenges, the support and collaboration of the talented KEC team make it all manageable and rewarding.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is undoubtedly the sense of fulfillment I get from contributing to a cooperative that genuinely serves its community. Working at KEC allows me to see firsthand the positive impact our efforts have on the lives of our members. Whether it’s ensuring reliable power supply, providing the financial planning, or improving the member experience, knowing that our work makes a difference is incredibly rewarding. I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but my co-workers at KEC have been the hardest working most dedicated employees I’ve ever experienced in my career. It makes waking up every day a lot easier knowing that we all support each other and can tackle the daily challenges together. This collective spirit of working toward a common goal is what makes my role at KEC truly special.
What’s your favorite thing about our area?
I do love living in an area with so many outdoor options. I would say my first recreational love is bicycling along the Centennial Trail and commuting on my bike to work (weather permitting). You’ll also find me often disc golfing at Corbin Park, snow shoeing, hiking with our German Shorthair Pointer, and traveling. I have four kids between the ages of 17 and 22 who also keep me on my toes, not to mention the world’s greatest wife of 25 years. We love living here—it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else in the country.