Byron Jahn

Consolidated Electric Cooperative - Inducted in 2008

Byron Jahn became involved with cooperatives at an early age. His mother was an employee of Callaway Electric Cooperative. His aunt worked for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, she talked to him many times about becoming part of the cooperative movement. Byron heeded her advice and made cooperatives his life long endeavor. 

Byron started his career at Consolidated Electric Cooperative in November 1970 as an office manager. After a short nine years he was selected to be general manager. Byron held that position for 26 years until his retirement for health reasons in 2006.

Byron was noted for forward thinking, excellent problem solving, and consensus building skills. He was an articulate and passionate promoter of member owned and member controlled organizations. He was a leader in incubating and promoting new cooperative services to meet the needs of consumers. 

Byron exemplified cooperative spirit - a spirit rooted in commitment and collaboration.  He provided leadership to multiple cooperative organizations including as a board member and board president of Central Electric Cooperatives, board member of Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, a regional representative for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and as a Missouri Institute of Cooperatives board member for twenty seven years.

exceptional leadership, cooperative spirit, the power to inspire through unwavering optimism, and passionate voice for the cooperative way of business