2024 Member Meeting

Join us Thursday, October 17th, for the 2024 Member Meeting

Hear from cooperative leadership as we discuss important industry information while enjoying a delicious meal!

2024 Speakers

Paul Matthys

President/CEO, Cass County Electric Cooperative

Former CCEC VP of Member and Energy Services Paul Matthys was selected as the cooperatives 8th President/CEO in March of 2024. In his first few months at the helm, Matthys has stewarded CCEC's strong reputation of commitment to community and safety of both employees and members. Under his leadership, CCEC scored a cooperative record on a recent member survey gauging perception of the cooperative.

Born and raised in CCEC's service territory, Paul is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing on North Dakota's playground of lakes, rivers, and nature. Matthys will provide a state of the cooperative, touching on events and occurrences so far this year as well as opportunities in the future.

Chad Sapa

VP of Corporate Services/CFO, Cass County Electric Cooperative

Since 1991, Chad Sapa has been a member of CCEC's corporate services team and has served as VP of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer since 1998. Under Sapa's watch, CCEC has maintained stable rates for its members since 2017.

An avid water skier and enjoyer of the region's beautiful terrain, Sapa is a firm believer in the strength of community and the cooperative model, which makes working for CCEC so special. Speaking at his 26th member meeting, Sapa will provide a mid-year financial update for cooperative members.

Zachary Smith

Zachary Smith

Communication & Government Relations Director, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives

Zachary Smith serves as the Communications & Government Relations Director for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). In his role, Smith works with the NDAREC's network of members to build political strengths so that cooperative legislative influence remains strong. His work with elected officials at the local and national level helps keep electricity at a fair and competitive price for cooperative member-owners like you.

An advocate of the outstanding businesses, organizations, and leaders that make our communities strong, Smith and the NDAREC are members of Keep It Local, a coalition of statewide and local organizations that oppose the Measure 4 proposal that would eliminate property taxes in the state of North Dakota. Property taxes help fund the bedrock of our communities, including schools, public safety, and parks, pools, and libraries. No one knows a community better than those who work, live, and play there, and Measure 4 would eliminate local decision-making on the most critical issues our communities face. Smith will educate members on the ballot measure and why maintaining local control is vital to the success of our future.