San Miguel Electric Cooperative Names Jason Cowan as New General Manager/CEO
Veteran leader brings decades of operational expertise to guide Cooperative’s future
CHRISTINE, Texas [Oct. 5, 2025] – San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECI) has announced the appointment of Jason Cowan as its new General Manager/Chief Executive Officer. A U.S. Navy veteran with nearly two decades of leadership experience in the power generation industry, Cowan joins San Miguel at a pivotal moment as the Cooperative advances its mission to deliver reliable, affordable electricity to South Texas communities.
San Miguel operates a lignite mine that fuels its power plant, which generates 391 megawatts of dependable power for member cooperatives across 47 South Texas counties, serving more than 200,000 homes and businesses. As General Manager/CEO, Cowan will oversee all facets of the organization – including operations, safety, environmental compliance, engineering, maintenance, fuel supply and community engagement – while working closely with San Miguel’s Board of Directors, comprised of executives from its nine member cooperatives.
“We are very pleased to welcome Jason as our new General Manager/CEO,” said Blaine Warzecha, President of the SMECI Board of Directors. “With significant changes and opportunities ahead, we’re fortunate to have a leader of Jason’s caliber guiding our Cooperative. His deep industry knowledge, leadership experience and strategic vision will help us continue delivering essential power to the region while preparing for the future.”
Prior to joining San Miguel, Cowan served as Director of Generation Excellence at Basin Electric, where he led and directed improvement initiatives on more than 5,200 megawatts (MW) of gas and coal generation assets. He also managed two lignite-fueled plants with a combined capacity of 1,560 MWs. Cowan is recognized for his commitment to operational excellence, innovation and cultivating a strong leadership culture. He earned both a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Business Administration from Chadron State College.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of General Manager/CEO of San Miguel Electric Cooperative,” said Cowan. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to draw on my experience in leadership, plant operations and strategic management to serve this outstanding Cooperative. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to power rural South Texas for generations to come.”
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About San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc.
San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned mining and power generation cooperative that serves the people of Texas' rural communities, working and living in partnership with its members. Through integrity, hard work and a commitment to safety, San Miguel maintains a dependable power supply at the lowest possible and competitive cost. Visit San Miguel Electric Cooperative for more information.