Wamego, Kansas – 3/06/24 – Michael M. Morton, General Manager of Bluestem Electric Cooperative, a leading provider of electricity to rural communities in North Central Kansas, informed the Bluestem Board of Trustees of his intention to retire effective early January 2025.
Born and raised in Wamego, KS, Michael is a graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. With the exception of a few years as a grain merchandiser for Farmer’s Union Cooperative in Ulysses, Wamego, and St. Mary’s KS, Morton’s entire professional career has been in the rural electric industry.
Serving our members for forty plus years, Michael M. Morton began his career in August of 1984 as the office manager for what was then P.R.& W. Rural Electric Cooperative Association. With the continued growth of the cooperative and consolidation, Morton became the assistant manager of Bluestem Electric Cooperative in January 1999. Morton has served as the General Manager since January 2018, demonstrating unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to serving our members and community. Under Morton’s guidance, Bluestem Electric has achieved significant milestones, expanded its services, and maintained a strong financial position, ensuring safe and reliable energy for our members.
Throughout Morton's tenure, he has been instrumental in fostering a progressive mindset in a culture of collaboration, and excellence within Bluestem Electric, positioning the cooperative for continued success and growth in the years ahead. His leadership has been characterized by a relentless focus on member satisfaction, operational efficiency, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on our cooperative and the communities we serve.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and all Bluestem Electric employees, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Michael Morton for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service to our cooperative," said Mark Diederich Board President. "Under his guidance, Bluestem Electric Cooperative has grown, and he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and commitment to our members."
Michael M. Morton will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of working with him, but he has helped to establish a strong foundation for Bluestem Electric Cooperative to build upon as we continue our mission of delivering safe and reliable electric energy.
A search for Micheal M. Morton's successor is currently underway, and Bluestem Electric is committed to ensuring a seamless transition to new leadership. The Board of Trustees will provide updates on the selection process as they become available.
Please join us in congratulating Michael M. Morton on his well-deserved retirement and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
HR Partners | (785) 233-7860
Those interested in applying can access the job description and requirements, as well as apply, at: https://hrpartnersks.com/jobs/2065-BEC-General-Manager
About Bluestem Electric Cooperative
Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a nonprofit and member-owned electric cooperative headquartered in Wamego, Kansas
In 1999, P R & W Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (1940) and C & W Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (1938) consolidated to form Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. These two cooperatives were incorporated over 75 years ago by groups of rural citizens.
Bluestem Electric exists today to provide its members with safe and reliable electric energy and other services to our members as efficiently and economically as possible.
Bluestem serves parts of Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Clay, Washington, Cloud, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, and Marshall counties.
Over the years, the cooperative has added valuable programs and services for its members so that they can fully enjoy the many benefits of rural living.