Tongue River Electric Cooperative Appoints New CEO

Nick Oelkers to lead cooperative serving southeast Montana

Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:01pm

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Tongue River Electric Cooperative has selected Nick Oelkers as its new chief executive officer and general manager, effective April 22. Oelkers, a Culbertson native, brings a background in mechanical engineering and energy management to the role, previously serving as the director of engineering for Sheridan Electric Cooperative.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new CEO is a significant transition for Tongue River Electric, which serves over 2,700 customers across eight counties in southeast Montana. Oelkers' experience in the cooperative business model and focus on member engagement will be crucial as the utility navigates the evolving energy landscape.

The details

After a competitive hiring process, the Tongue River Electric Cooperative board of directors selected Oelkers to succeed long-time CEO Tary Hanson, who is retiring. Oelkers holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Montana State University and a master's in business with an energy management focus from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

  • Oelkers will assume the CEO and general manager role on April 22, 2026.
  • Tary Hanson, the cooperative's long-time CEO, is retiring.

The players

Nick Oelkers

The new chief executive officer and general manager of Tongue River Electric Cooperative, bringing experience in mechanical engineering and energy management.

Tary Hanson

The retiring long-time CEO of Tongue River Electric Cooperative.

Tongue River Electric Cooperative

A rural electric cooperative serving over 2,700 customers across eight counties in southeast Montana.

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What they’re saying

“Oelkers and his family are excited to join the communities of southeast Montana and are looking forward to meeting TRECO members throughout the area. He has worked his entire career in the cooperative world and believes in the cooperative business model.”

— Nick Oelkers

What’s next

Oelkers will begin his new role as CEO and general manager of Tongue River Electric Cooperative on April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Nick Oelkers as the new CEO of Tongue River Electric Cooperative represents a transition of leadership for the rural utility, which will benefit from Oelkers' cooperative experience and focus on member engagement as it navigates the evolving energy landscape in southeast Montana.