Jeff Alexander to retire after 37 years of service
After 37 years with Pioneer Electric Cooperative, meter technician Jeff Alexander will retire on January 31, 2026. Throughout nearly four decades, Jeff has built a reputation not just for technical skill, but for his willingness to help cooperative members and the community.
Jeff began his career in June 1988 as a groundman and lineman trainee. He worked his way up through hands-on experience, becoming a first-class lineman in 1996. In 1998, he transitioned into metering, holding meter technician I and II positions before stepping into the role of meter technician A in 1999 — the position he held until his retirement.
When Jeff reflects on the most rewarding part of his career, it is the people.
“Helping people — members, co-workers — that’s been the best part,” Jeff says.
That service-oriented focus guided everything he did. Members came to know Jeff as someone who took the time to listen, investigate, and find answers — whether assisting with a high bill concern or a stray voltage issue affecting a farm. As a farmer himself, he understood those challenges and personally connected with the importance of finding a solution.
“Jeff has been a great technical resource in resolving members’ power quality concerns,” says Lynn Maniaci, director of technical services and engineering. “He excelled in these challenging situations.”
Jeff’s commitment to members also showed in his work behind the scenes. He played a key role in bringing new technology to the cooperative, including the development of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and the setup of the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI). These projects modernized system operations, improved reliability, and strengthened service for cooperative members.
“Jeff was instrumental in getting the SCADA and AMI systems installed in the field, leading to a huge improvement in outage restoration times,” Maniaci says. “The members greatly benefited from his dedication and commitment to the co-op.”
Before moving into metering, Jeff spent a decade on the line crew, including time as a first-class lineman. He remembers storm restoration work as some of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the job.
“I loved working storms,” Jeff says. “It’s actually something I still missed later in my career.”
Jeff’s dedication to service didn’t stop at the cooperative. For 26 years, he served with the Pleasant Hill-Newton Township Volunteer Fire Department, further exemplifying his commitment to community and service-oriented nature.
Jeff admits his retirement from the co-op is bittersweet.
“I’m going to miss the people I work with, the job, the members,” Jeff says. “I’m really going to miss everything about it.”
As much as he will miss the cooperative, Jeff looks forward to more time with his grandkids, farming, traveling, and fishing — a well-earned next chapter.
