SEMO’s Vanslyke joins Pioneer’s Board of Directors

Sean Vanslyke, CEO and “Head Coach” of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber, accepted an appointment to Pioneer’s Board of Directors.

Known for his thoughtful leadership and engaging video series “The Friday Feature,” Vanslyke has been at the helm the Sikeston, Missouri-based cooperative since 2012.

“As someone with deep storytelling roots, I thoroughly appreciate what Pioneer does helping utilities and broadband providers tell our stories,” Vanslyke said. “I’ve been impressed with the work the team does, and I look forward to contributing to Pioneer’s future success along with my fellow board members.”

Vanslyke was selected for the District 1 At-Large seat from a pool of three nominees. He will fill the unexpired term of Crystal Enkvist, the executive director of the Alaska Power Association, who recently joined the board of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

“We very much appreciate the insights and contributions Crystal brought to Pioneer during her time on the board and know she will be a valued contributor to NRECA discussions,” Pioneer CEO Michael Shepard said. “When you lose a talented leader like her, you always hope to replace them with someone of equal talent and merit. I think we’ve done that with Sean, who is an excellent storyteller and respected innovator in the utility industry.”

Attendees of Pioneer’s StoryConnect 2023 may remember Vanslyke as one of the most highly rated presenters of the conference. He was also a guest on the “StoryConnect Podcast” in 2021.

“As Pioneer has grown, we’ve been intentional in making sure the board was structured to reflect that,” said Scott Peters, chair of the board for Pioneer. “I’m glad to see Sean join the board not just because of his notable leadership abilities, but because he helps provide a voice and a familiar face to all of the Pioneer members in the Midwest.”

SEMO delivers electricity to more than 16,000 homes, farms and businesses in the “Bootheel” region of Southeast Missouri. About 70% of those served with electric service also take broadband from GoSEMO Fiber, which launched in 2017. Pioneer assists SEMO with social media services and websites for the electric and fiber services.

Prior to coming to SEMO, Vanslyke served as community and public relations manager at Ameren Illinois and held regional management roles at Illinois Power. He began his career as a photojournalist and editor at two community newspapers in Missouri and Kansas.

Vanslyke holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s from the University of Illinois Springfield. He’s also a graduate of NRECA’s Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program.

Outside of SEMO, Vanslyke actively contributes to various organizations. He serves on the advisory committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and has held leadership roles in the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives, Energy Education Council and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. 

Vanslyke is also the creator of “The Friday Feature,” a weekly video series designed to ignite inspiration and empowerment. Through uplifting stories, motivational messages and practical tips, the series encourages viewers to overcome obstacles and make a positive impact in their lives and communities.

Pioneer’s nine-member board represents the voices of more than 200 community-owned utilities, state associations and broadband providers across the United States.

Utility Pioneers Lead Our Co-op

As a utility-owned communications cooperative, Pioneer Utility Resources depends on members to guide the co-op. Pioneer’s Board of Directors meets throughout the year to oversee the co-op’s strategic plan and financial health.

The board expanded from seven seats to nine members in 2023 to better represent Pioneer’s growing membership base. The board includes three at-large positions representing all Utility Pioneers and six seats serving specific regions. Before expanding the board, two membership campaigns helped utilities new to Pioneer learn about the benefits of joining the communications and marketing co-op.