Benton REA Restructure to Bring Exceptional Member Experiences

Ryan J Redmond, CEO of Benton REA, recently announced a plan to restructure internal operations at the electric cooperative effective immediately. The purpose of the changes is to create a structure that enhances Benton REA’s ability to provide exceptional service to its member-owners. This is accomplished in part by bringing all member facing departments under one umbrella with the singular focus of exceeding the members’ expectations and creating an excellent member experience. This new Member Experience Department is already working on realigning job responsibilities and developing goals that support creating exceptional member experiences.
 
Troy Berglund, a 23-year veteran of Benton REA was promoted to Deputy General Manager and Vice President of Member Experience. In this new role, Berglund will provide oversight to Billing, Engineering & Operations Administrative Services, Information Technology, Member Services and Meter Reading.
 
Additional staff changes in this restructure include:
Shannon Olsen accepted the position of Member Services Manager. In this position she will direct and manage programs within the member experience group to include communications, marketing, energy efficiency, power quality, net metering, key accounts, economic development, and other member driven programs. Olsen was first hired as Benton REA’s Assistant Member Services Manager. She joined Benton REA in 2019.
 
Jeb Knox accepted a promotion to Operations Manager. Over the last few months, Jeb has worked as both the Interim Operations Manager and Line Superintendent. In this position he ensures Benton REA’s existing distribution and transmission system is maintained, provides support to line superintendents, and directs the planning of maintenance to ensure the system is as dependable and reliable as possible. Jeb first began his career at Benton REA in 2004 as a groundman.
 
Nick Pryor accepted the position of Member Engineering Manager. Along with his current engineering duties and supporting the staking team, Pryor will take on more system planning as he works with both engineering and operations on construction work plan projects, system improvement projects, and various mitigation projects to increase system reliability and capacity to the membership. Nick is a 17-year veteran of Benton REA. He was first hired as a Staking Technician in 2006.
 
Missy Jasso accepted the position of Facility Services and Safety Manager in which she is responsible for the facilitation and oversight of Benton REA’s facility repair and maintenance, as well as contract compliance, contract management, and document retention. Missy began her career at Benton REA in 2001 as tech support in PowerNET and has held other positions, most recently as Executive Assistant to the CEO.
 
Ryan J Redmond, CEO of Benton REA
In December of 2022 Benton REA’s Board of Trustees and hiring firm GreatCo-Ops started the process of searching for a new CEO. After consideration of all applicants and a thorough interview process, the Board of Trustees announced their decision on April 20, 2023.
 
Redmond brings over fifteen years of experience in the utility industry and has been in leadership roles for over 20 years. He has a proven track record of leading effective, high performing teams, executing long-term strategic business policies and contracts, and successfully leading teams through extreme change.
 
Redmond earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washington State University and a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga School of Law. He has worked for Puget Sound Energy, Bonneville Power Administration and most recently was the Chief Resources Officer at Peninsula Light Company in Gig Harbor, Washington. 
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