Mark Johnson, General Manager and CEO of Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC), has been named the 2025 Businessperson of the Year by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. Johnson was honored at a November 7 event for his steadfast leadership, innovative vision, and deep commitment to community service.
Over his 26-year tenure — including since 2013 as general manager — Johnson has guided FEC’s evolution into Montana’s largest electric cooperative, adding more than 10,000 meters and 8,000 members while maintaining reliable, affordable service. Today, FEC powers over 59,000 members across a 3,000+ square-mile service area, roughly the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Its 5,000+ miles of energized lines could stretch from coast to coast and back again.
Tia Robbin, FEC’s Chief Administrative Officer, highlighted Johnson’s impact, sharing, “Mark’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the Flathead Valley’s energy infrastructure keeps pace with its growth. His strategic planning has secured reliable, affordable power for homes and businesses, supporting economic development across the region.”
Johnson has overseen major infrastructure investments, championed wildfire-mitigation legislation, and led the co-op through a period of rapid regional growth with steady, strategic foresight. Katie Pfennigs, FEC’s Director of External Affairs & Energy Services, added, “Mark has been a vocal advocate for hydropower — our primary power source and the cornerstone of our reliability and affordability. His work with legislators and regulators has protected cooperative interests and ensured local voices are heard in state and national energy policy discussions.”
Jason Williams, FEC’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized Johnson’s long-term contributions, stating, “Mark’s leadership in the energy sector has delivered tangible value to the Flathead Valley. He has secured long-term power contracts, invested in grid modernization, and stabilized energy costs for our members.”
Widely regarded as one of the region’s most engaged utility leaders, Johnson currently serves or has served on the boards of the Northwest Public Power Association, Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative, and Northwest RiverPartners. He was also the first Montanan to serve on the Executive Committee of the Public Power Council. These roles have strengthened FEC’s presence in the regional energy landscape and brought valuable insights and resources home to Northwest Montana.
Johnson’s commitment to community extends far beyond energy. He is a champion for FEC’s service programs, including Roundup for Safety, which has awarded more than $5.5 million to local safety initiatives since 1997. Under his leadership, FEC also launched its Community Education Grants program, providing over $1.5 million to support initiatives such as school resource officers, CAD programming in high schools, and educational excursions for students. Additionally, Johnson helped create FEC’s signature fundraiser, the annual Ribeye Raffle, which has donated over $100,000 and approximately 10,000 pounds of meat to area food banks since 2016. Johnson also encourages staff involvement in community service, supporting employee participation in Rotary clubs, nonprofit boards, and volunteer programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters reading buddies and Salvation Army bell ringing.
Lorraine Clarno, President & CEO of the Kalispell Chamber, asserted, “Mark represents the very best of what makes Kalispell and the Flathead Valley thrive. He leads with integrity, serves with purpose, and inspires all of us to venture boldly toward a stronger, more connected valley.”
Johnson’s colleagues celebrate him as a community builder, mentor, and steward of cooperative values. To learn more about the cooperative Johnson leads, visit flatheadelectric.com.
Photo Caption: Michael Barth, President of Logan Health Foundation (left) and Bill Moseley, Kalispell Chamber President (right), present Mark Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Flathead Electric Cooperative (center), with the Kalispell Businessperson of the Year award. Photo Courtesy of Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.
