BENCO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ANNOUNCES NEW CEO

Mankato, Minnesota – After a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors of BENCO Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce the selection of Chance R. Briscoe as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. 

Briscoe brings approximately 20 years of electric utility leadership experience to BENCO.  Most recently, he has been serving as General Manager at Northwest Rural Public Power District in Nebraska.

"Our board is extremely pleased to announce Chance as our next CEO at BENCO. He brings an excellent blend of leadership and expertise across the electric utility sector," said Don Westphal, Board President. "We look forward to working with Chance to build on BENCO's current success and reputation, collaborating to meet future challenges within the industry, all at the same time continuing our legacy of providing safe, affordable, and reliable power for years to come."

In his new role, Briscoe will lead BENCO’s team, ensuring excellent service to the cooperative’s member-owners across south central Minnesota.  Alongside the board and staff, he will guide the cooperative’s strategic direction as the electric utility industry enters an exciting new era of innovation and change.

“I am truly honored to be selected as CEO of BENCO Electric Cooperative. I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors and leading such a talented, dedicated team of employees serving the member-owners,” said Briscoe.

Briscoe will begin his service to the cooperative’s members on January 1, 2026, following the retirement of current CEO Dave Sunderman, who has served the cooperative for 33 years.

 About BENCO Electric Cooperative: Headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota, BENCO Electric Cooperative serves approximately 20,000 connected services in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Faribault counties, as well as parts of Brown, Le Sueur, Martin, Freeborn, Sibley, and Waseca counties.