Leading with purpose

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives’ (OAEC) Board of Trustees selects Nicki Fuller as new General Manager/CEO

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC) is ushering in a new chapter of leadership, welcoming Nicki Fuller as the association’s general manager and CEO. Fuller will follow Chris Meyers, who is retiring on March 31 after 15 years of  dedicated service.

With a career marked by exceptional commitment to the electric cooperative and hydropower industries, Fuller’s vision and experience position her to guide OAEC’s 30 participating member systems into a dynamic future.

Fuller’s roots in rural America and her deep connection to cooperative values make her a natural fit for this role. Growing up on co-op lines in Marshfield, Missouri, she understands the vital role electric cooperatives play in powering lives and strengthening communities.

“I’m deeply honored to serve Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives,” Fuller shared. “This is not just a profession — it’s a passion. I’m eager to advocate for the members of our co-ops and look forward to contributing to an industry that makes a difference in the lives of many.”

Before joining OAEC, Fuller served as the Executive Director of the Southwestern Power Resources Association (SPRA), a not-for-profit organization representing consumer-owned electric systems across six states and serving over 10 million end users. Her leadership at SPRA included securing long-term sustainability and affordability for federal hydropower programs, a critical resource for many cooperatives.

Fuller’s extensive experience includes leadership roles with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the American Public Power Association (APPA). She also serves on the Executive Committee and Board of the National Waterways Association and is an advisor to the joint Department of Energy and Corps of Engineers Federal Hydropower Council and member of the Oklahoma Waterways Board, advocating for efficient hydropower production and policy advancements.

A graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in political science and the University of Tulsa (TU) College of Law with her Juris Doctorate, Fuller also brings a strong academic foundation. While at TU, she contributed to the Energy Law Journal, reflecting her lifelong commitment to the energy sector.

Fuller and her husband, John, along with their sons, Jack and Luke, are members of Verdigris Valley Electric Cooperative. They enjoy family time at Oklahoma’s scenic lakes, and they look forward to exploring rural Oklahoma as Fuller visits cooperative service territories across the state.

Bob Usry, president of the OAEC Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Fuller’s leadership.

“Her unique skills and experience make her a well-rounded leader. Her visionary leadership will guide our electric cooperatives into a new era,” Usry says.

As OAEC turns the page to this next chapter, Fuller brings the expertise, energy and passion to lead with purpose. Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives are poised to continue their legacy of service while embracing the opportunities ahead.