Flathead Electric Cooperative General Manager Mark Johnson plans to retire this summer and Chief Operating Officer and Assistant General Manager of Operations Jason Williams is set to replace him. 

Johnson has more than 25 years of service with the cooperative and nearly 13 years as its chief executive. The cooperative's board of trustees decided to appoint Williams as general manager upon Johnson's retirement. 

Johnson has led Montana’s largest electric cooperative through a period of unprecedented growth and change, while maintaining long-term rate stability, a strong financial position, and a steadfast commitment to cooperative values and community service. Since becoming general manager in 2013, Johnson has overseen significant infrastructure investments, strengthened Flathead Electric’s power supply portfolio, championed employee safety initiatives, and elevated the cooperative’s role as a trusted regional and national voice on energy policy. 

“Serving the members of Flathead Electric has been the honor of my professional life,” Johnson said. “This Cooperative is strong because of its people — our employees, our Board, and our members. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I have complete confidence in Jason’s leadership as the Cooperative navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.” 

Johnson’s tenure has been marked by steady leadership during times of rapid population growth, evolving energy policy, and increasing system complexity. Under his guidance, Flathead Electric expanded local generation partnerships, invested in grid modernization, strengthened wildfire mitigation efforts, and maintained reliable service amid growing regional resource adequacy and

Williams has more than two decades of experience at Flathead Electric Cooperative, having joined the organization in 2004. Over his 20-plus-year tenure, he has served in progressively senior roles, including system planning engineer, director of engineering, and most recently assistant general manager/chief operating officer. In that role, he oversees engineering, operations, and system safety, bringing deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record in grid resilience, wildfire risk mitigation, and operational excellence.  

“Mark’s leadership has positioned Flathead Electric exceptionally well, but the next five to ten years will be among the most challenging our industry has ever faced,” said Board President Stacey Schnebel. “This transition is about honoring Mark’s legacy while ensuring the Cooperative is prepared for rising costs, power supply constraints, and increasing risks from wildfire and extreme weather. Jason’s experience, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership make him the right choice to guide Flathead Electric into this next chapter.” 

Schnebel emphasized that the board recognizes that many of the pressures facing electric cooperatives are regional and national in nature, including supply chain challenges, transmission limitations, and the rising cost of new energy resources. 

“It’s important for our members to understand that these challenges are not unique to Flathead Electric and are not the result of a leadership change,” Schnebel said. “This transition is being planned well in advance to ensure continuity, stability, and long-term success.” 

Williams said he is honored by the Board’s confidence and committed to building on the foundation Johnson has established. 

“Mark has been an incredible mentor and leader, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this Cooperative and our members,” Williams said. “The electric industry is changing rapidly, and while there are real challenges ahead, Flathead Electric is well positioned because of the investments already made in safety, system resilience, and long-term planning. My focus will be on maintaining reliability, managing costs responsibly, and ensuring we continue to serve our members with transparency and integrity.” 

Johnson will remain in his role through June 2026, working closely with Williams and the board to ensure a smooth transition, according to a release.