Ruth Marks Joins Pioneer’s Board of Directors

Ruth Marks, CEO of Mountain View Electric Cooperative, accepted an appointment to Pioneer’s Board of Directors on Feb. 20.

“Ruth Marks is just the kind of board member Pioneer needs. She has a deep background in virtually all aspects of the cooperative utility world and a clear understanding of the importance of consumer communications. We are fortunate to attract a new director with Ruth’s unique skillset,” Pioneer CEO Michael Shepard said.

MVEA delivers electricity to more than 68,500 homes, farms and businesses across 5,000 square miles in Eastern Colorado.

“My leadership philosophy has always been rooted in stewardship, service, and long-term sustainability,” Marks said. “Electric cooperatives are built to benefit the communities they serve—not outside investors—and that mission guides every strategic decision we make, from infrastructure upgrades to how we engage with our members. Pioneer Utility Resources plays a critical role in strengthening the cooperative network by providing essential resources that enable co-ops to operate more effectively and tell their story with clarity and credibility.”

Marks has been in the electric cooperative business for three decades. Before joining MVEA in 2022, she was the vice president of transmission maintenance at Tri-State Generation and Transmission, a wholesale power supplier. She led a team of transmission line, substation and telecom technicians located throughout Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Before joining Tri-State she served as chief operations officer at United Power. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in personal administration and industrial relations and a master’s degree in business administration.

Marks was selected for the at-large seat from a pool of three nominees. She fills the unexpired term of Libby Calnon, general manager of Hood River Electric & Internet Co-op. After serving on the board since 2020, Calnon resigned her seat to focus on her role as the Public Power Council‘s vice chair of Administration & Budget.

“Serving on Pioneer’s board reinforced my belief that strong communications are foundational for success,” Calnon said. “Our industry is navigating rapid change, and Pioneer’s work helps ensure community owned utilities remain relevant and trusted by their members. I leave the board confident in its direction and excited to see the continued positive impact that Pioneer delivers for co-ops across the nation.”

“Libby has been a strong voice on our board for years, and we appreciate the insights she brought to Pioneer during a time of change and growth for the cooperative,” Shepard said. “Libby’s background as a utility communicator and regional leader were just what Pioneer need during her tenure on the board.”

Pioneer’s nine-member board represents the voices of more than 400 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 includes four at-large positions representing all Utility Pioneers and five seats serving specific regions. Nominations for board positions open in March