The Blue Grass Energy Board of Directors has named Martin (Marty) Littrel as the cooperative’s next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Mike Williams, who will retire in early 2026.

After conducting a nationwide search, the Board selected Littrel to continue the strong leadership tradition established under Williams, who announced his retirement in May 2025.

Littrel currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Meade County Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (Meade County RECC) in Brandenburg, Kentucky, a position he has held since 2015. He was recently elected Secretary-Treasurer of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board of Directors, representing Kentucky, and will go on to serve as the Board’s President at the national level.

With more than two decades of cooperative experience, Littrel brings extensive knowledge from leadership roles at Big Rivers Electric Corporation, Kenergy Corp, and Meade County RECC. His expertise includes government relations, strategic planning, risk management, member services, communications, and economic development.

The board expressed its appreciate for Wiliams’ long-term dedication, vision, and service to Blue Grass Energy since his hiring in 1992.

“We feel fortunate to hire someone as seasoned and qualified as Marty Littrel to replace Mike Williams who has been an outstanding leader for our organization,” said Lu Young, Blue Grass Energy board chair.  Young adds that Littrel has accomplished an impressive cooperative career and will bring an employee- and member-oriented focus to our organization, all of which contributed to the unanimous decision for him to succeed Williams. 

“I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to lead Blue Grass Energy and I am looking forward to collaborating with the employees and leadership team in the coming weeks. I have been blessed to have managed a variety of roles during my 24 years in the cooperative family and believe my past experiences can help to advance the strengths of Blue Grass Energy in its next stage,” said Littrel.

The Blue Grass Energy Board will work closely with Littrel and Williams to ensure a smooth transition. Littrel will officially assume the role of Chief Executive Officer in early February 2026.