McKenzie Electric Cooperative, Inc. names Matt Hanson as new CEO

Watford City, March 30, 2022 – The McKenzie Electric Cooperative Board of Directors announced that Matt Hanson has been appointed the new CEO of the Cooperative. Serving as McKenzie Electric’s Cheif Operating Officer for the past 22 months, Hanson will assume responsibilities as CEO on April 11, 2022.

Hanson, an Iowa native, and a second-generation utility employee, graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Continuing his education, he then received his Master of Arts in Business Leadership from William Penn University.  Hanson came to McKenzie Electric with over 15 years of experience in both the investor-owned and cooperative utilities with experience spanning both generation and electric distribution.  Moving from Pella, Iowa, Hanson has made Watford City home with his wife Angela and three children.

“I am excited to lead McKenzie Electric in its next chapter during a time of change across our landscape, embracing the cooperative difference to serve our membership and our communities with safe, reliable and affordable electricity,” said Hanson.

Hanson succeeds retired CEO John Skurupey; the McKenzie Electric Board of Directors thank Skurupey for his commitment to the member-owners of the cooperative and his instrumental leadership through one of the largest expansions in cooperative history.

About McKenzie Electric Cooperative

McKenzie Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit distribution utility that provides service to five counties in western North Dakota and a small portion of eastern Montana. The Cooperative’s wholesale power supplier is Upper Missouri Power Cooperative of Sidney, M.T. and their generation and transmission partner is Basin Electric Power Cooperative of Bismarck, N.D.