The first eight years of work experience on Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) CEO John Cassady’s resume shows a distinct career path. After finishing his undergraduate degree, Cassady found his calling in the halls of government — first as a legislative research assistant in the Ohio House of Representatives, then a legislative liaison with the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, and then a legislative assistant for Ohio Congresswoman Deborah Pryce in Washington, D.C. 

“I got interested in politics, policy and law when I was an undergrad,” he recalled, “and I learned that’s where my passions were.” 

All signs pointed to a career in politics, and Cassady even contemplated a future run for office. “I definitely wanted to make a difference leading a life of significance,” he said. 

But along the way, he felt pulled in another direction — toward advocacy instead of candidacy — which led to jobs with Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, Ohio’s statewide electric cooperative association, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in Arlington, Virginia. 

A desire to return to his Midwest roots brought him to Wabash Valley Power Alliance in Indianapolis in 2021. In March 2023, he assumed his current position as CEO of IEC. 

Yet, even after 24 years of advocacy for electric cooperatives, politics are never far from his mind. What happens in the state and nation’s capitals can cause significant implications for Indiana’s electric cooperatives and their members. “IEC is the leading advocacy association for Indiana’s electric cooperatives,” he said, “providing a strong voice for the cooperatives among state and federal lawmakers.” 

The son of a Purdue University professor, Cassady grew up in West Lafayette. He earned a bachelor ’s degree from DePauw University, a master’s from Southern Illinois University, and a law degree from Capital University (Ohio). 

Since becoming CEO, Cassady has prioritized three main goals: growing the strength and political relevance of Indiana’s electric cooperatives, providing professional development opportunities for cooperative directors and employees, and promoting a culture of safety for cooperative workers across the state. 

Cassady spends substantial time on the road. He believes in maintaining firsthand contact with the 38 member cooperatives. “I’ve spent a lot of time traveling the state, meeting members in local communities,” Cassady said. “We’re a membership organization; the more I understand the people and work of the local cooperatives, the better I can be at my job” 

John Cassady professional timeline

1998 HIRED 

Legislative Assistant, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce | United States House of Representatives 

2000 HIRED 

Director of Government Affairs | Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, Inc. 

2016 PROMOTED 

Vice President, Legislative Affairs | National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

2021 HIRED 

Executive Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy | Wabash Valley Power Alliance 

2023 HIRED 

Chief Executive Officer | Indiana Electric Cooperatives 

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