The Cherryland Electric Cooperative board of directors is excited to announce Rachel Johnson as the cooperative’s next chief executive officer. Johnson will assume CEO responsibilities when Cherryland’s current general manager, Tony Anderson, retires in June.
Johnson has served Cherryland members as the cooperative’s member relations manager for the last 10 years. During that time, she played an instrumental role in developing and implementing programs designed to improve member experience. That includes the implementation of the cooperative’s outage text system, creating and hosting the country’s first electric cooperative podcast, and establishing energy use and electric vehicle programs that focus on decarbonization through beneficial electrification and emerging technology. Johnson proactively builds relationships with community leaders and elected officials to best meet the community’s needs and advocate on behalf of the cooperative’s membership. She also designed and oversaw Cherryland’s low-income community solar program, the first of its kind in the state of Michigan. In addition to her work locally, Johnson also created a strategic communications planning course for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, sharing her knowledge with cooperative leadership across the country.
Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in business and communications from Augustana University as well as two master’s degrees. The first, an M.A. in Communications Studies from Pepperdine University, and most recently an MBA from Davenport University.
Johnson says, “My favorite thing about Cherryland is the unwavering commitment that everyone at the cooperative has toward our members and the communities we serve. It’s been a privilege to work for our members during the last decade and I’m excited to lead us into the future as we continue to modernize the electric grid while delivering the same safe, reliable, and affordable service you’ve come to expect.”
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Board President Dave Schweitzer explained, “The board unanimously agreed that Rachel’s in-depth knowledge, experience, and past accomplishments, both at Cherryland and the national level, make her the right person to lead the cooperative into the future. We are confident in her abilities to tackle any challenge that lies ahead for Cherryland and we’re excited for this next chapter.”
Keep an eye on future issues of Michigan Country Lines, blogs, and e-newsletters to learn more about Johnson.
Congratulations Rachel Johnson. Sounds like we have a tenacious CEO.
Thanks, Peggy! When it comes to advocating for our members and our rural communities, tenacious is a title I will gladly take on.
We look forward to the new leadership of Cherryland. We, collectively, encourage the “electrification” of the country alongside fossil fuels at a pace that is cost efficient and doable for the consumer. We enjoy natural gas and propane and the use of coal and wood burning systems for cooking and heating and encourage that to continue and it’s “normal” pace. Welcome to Cherryland where the consumer leads.
You are absolutely correct. We must continue to modernize and embrace new technologies while remaining true to our core cooperative values of reliability, affordability, and putting the member-consumer first. And, as you point out, as it pertains to electrification initiatives and grid transformation, we must ensure that our timelines are realistic and don’t unduly put cost burdens on the homes and businesses we serve.
Congratulations, Rachel. Great news for Cherryland Electric Cooperative AND our community!
Thanks, Ranae! Hope all is well with you and the McCauley clan.
Congratulations Rachel, you have some worn out running shoes to fill. Cherryland Electric Cooperative is lucky to have your commitment to members and experience to take them into the future.