Citizens Electric Manager of Member Services, Steve Elsea, announced his plans to retire March 3, 2025, after nine years leading member services efforts. He’ll work alongside his successor, J.W. Hackworth, who has over 25 years of utility experience.
Steve joined Citizens Electric Corporation in 2016 after 35 years of diverse energy experience. Steve has been instrumental in building and expanding key accounts and public policy engagement within the service area to improve member satisfaction and understanding.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the members in our community during my time at Citizens. I’m so proud of the commitment our employees demonstrate every day to providing our members with safe, reliable electricity. I’m confident their commitment to our members will thrive under J.W.’s leadership,” said Elsea.
During Steve’s tenure, he’s served on multiple committees at the Association of Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives statewide office in Jefferson City and is past chairman of the board of directors for Options for Women, currently serves on the board of directors for Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club.
In retirement, Steve will be just as busy spending time with his wife Talitha of 45 years, their three children and 13 grandchildren, along with riding bikes and staying active in his church family.
J.W. Hackworth joined Citizens Electric this September. Before joining CEC, Hackworth worked for several utility companies in operations, business development, and customer care. Hackworth received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Southeast Missouri State University.
J.W. and Elsea will work together through the transition in March.
“I am honored for the opportunity to lead member services team,” Hackworth said. “Working for the communities we serve has truly been the highlight of my career. I am extremely excited to lead the member services team into the future, delivering the service our members have come to expect.”
J.W. and his wife Kim live in Jackson and enjoy spending time with their son Baden who attends Saint Louis University.
About Citizens Electric Corporation
Citizens Electric Corporation, established in 1947, is a not-for-profit corporation operating as an electric cooperative located in Perryville, Missouri. Citizens Electric services over 27,000 members in Perry County, Ste. Genevieve County and portions of Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Jefferson, and St. Francois County. For more information, visit www.cecmo.com or follow Citizens Electric on Facebook and LinkedIn.