I didn’t set out to build a company or chase titles; I aimed to do good work, solve problems, and take responsibility for the results. Over time, this path led me to where I am today.
My background is in electrical engineering, and I have always been drawn to understanding how things work and how they can be improved. Early in my career, I held engineering and maintenance leadership roles at Kraft Foods and Dow Jones, where I learned the value of discipline, consistency, and preparation. Those years shaped my thinking, leadership style, and decision-making, especially when it comes to issues that affect people’s livelihoods.
Today, as the President and CEO of Iowa Central Electric, I carry those lessons with me. I believe that leadership is less about giving direction and more about stewardship. It’s about creating an environment where people are respected, expectations are clear, and the work truly matters. I take pride in the fact that I’ve built a team that prioritizes doing things right over merely doing things quickly.
The growth of my company has been steady and intentional. Every step forward has involved reflection, risk, and a sense of responsibility. I’ve learned that progress isn’t determined by how fast you move but by how well you stay aligned with your values when faced with challenges. The moments that matter most to me aren’t the milestones recorded on paper; they are the quiet instances when I realize the trust is real and that the people around me believe in what we’re building together.
I’m motivated by meaningful improvement, investing in my people, embracing technology when it truly serves us, and making decisions that withstand the test of time. While automation and innovation are important, they only work when rooted in core principles: safety, integrity, accountability, and respect for the craft.
I am grateful for how far Iowa Central Electric has come, mindful of the responsibilities that accompany leadership, and committed to continuing this work with patience, humility, and purpose. There is still much to build, and I believe the best way forward is the same as it has always been: one decision, one relationship, and one honest day of work at a time.
Thank you for choosing Iowa Central Electric.
– Mark S. Wibholm, President/CEO