WIN Energy REMC is pleased to announce the board of directors has selected Leslie Beard as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Aug. 1. Beard succeeds Tom Nowaskie, who served as CEO from August 2018 to July 2024. Nowaskie retired from the cooperative on July 31 after more than 45 years of service.

Beard began her career at WIN Energy REMC in October 2000 as a customer service representative after graduating from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. In 2002, she was promoted to billing representative, and in 2010 took a marketing position. She began her marketing role at the cooperative as the manager of marketing and communications and was promoted to director of marketing and member services in 2015. Most recently, Beard has been serving as the cooperative’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) since December 2020.

During her 23 years at the cooperative, Beard obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in accounting from the University of Southern Indiana and has completed several industry-specific education programs, including the Rural Leaders In Training Exchange (RELITE) program, the Cooperative Accelerated Leadership Development (CALD) program, and the Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program (MIP). She also earned her designation as a Certified Cooperative Communicator (CCC).

Beard is actively involved in the community. She currently serves as marketing chair and on the executive committee of Knox County Indiana Economic Development and as a board member of Gibson County Economic Development Corporation, Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, and Vincennes Area Builder’s Association. She and her husband, Bryce, and their two daughters, Morgan and Makinley, are all active members of Central Church of Christ in Vincennes.

Beard is excited to serve the cooperative as its next CEO. She states, “It’s an honor to have this opportunity. I feel blessed to work with such a dedicated board of directors and lead an outstanding team of employees who are all focused on serving our members and our communities. I am excited for the future as we all work together to navigate the changing utility industry.” With her experience, education, and dedication, she will continue to serve the cooperative well. Please join us in congratulating Leslie on her new position.