FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – June 27, 2023 – Black Hills Energy announced changes within the company’s leadership team appointing Marc Eyre as vice president of operations in Arkansas, along with Kansas, and Joey Msall, PE, as general manager of Arkansas.

“These changes position the company with highly skilled, tenured and energized leaders committed to serving the needs of our customers and communities while driving operational efficiencies and growth within our expansive eight-state service territory,” said Marne Jones, Black Hills Energy’s senior vice president of utilities.

“Marc’s appointment to vice president for the two-state region is a natural progression in his leadership journey at Black Hills Energy and reflective of his deep commitment to our customers, employees and communities,” said Jones. “In this expanded leadership role, Marc will be responsible for the company’s operational, business and financial objectives while creating customer-focused solutions that position the company for long-term growth.”

With more than 15 years of utility experience, Eyre most recently served as director and then vice president of electric operations in South Dakota for the past five years. He previously spent 11 years in natural gas and electric operations management roles to include engineering, construction planning, warehouse, fleet, electric meter shop and customer service in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wyoming.

With a passion for community service and economic development, Eyre has been serving on boards for Deadwood Lead Economic Development Corp., Mitchell Technical College Foundation, United Way of the Black Hills, Dakota Resources and Black Hills Corporation Foundation. He will relocate to Fayetteville, Arkansas, and assume his new role effective July 10.

Msall was promoted from director of operations to general manager to lead and manage the day-to-day Arkansas operations, including employee, customer and system safety, capital project execution and operational excellence.

“Joey’s new role as general manager reflects his strong track record of leadership and his commitment to guide our teams as they work safely each day to serve the needs of our customers,” said Jones. “He has been an integral part of our team as director of operations for two years and will continue to drive excellence within every aspect of our business.”

Prior to joining Black Hills Energy in 2021, Msall held several leadership positions at CenterPoint Energy in Northeast and Central Arkansas. Among Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 in 2022 and a Leadership Arkansas Class XV alumnus, Msall serves on the Rogers Lowell Chamber and Arkansas 811 boards. A licensed professional engineer, he holds a B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas, M.S. degree in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology and an MBA from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Arkansas’ vice president of operations for nearly three years, Chad Kinsley, PE, has accepted a position as chief executive officer/general manager of the Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  

Black Hills Energy delivers safe, reliable energy for nearly 183,000 natural gas customers in 106 Arkansas communities supported by 7,200 miles of infrastructure. The company estimates it made a $120 million economic impact in Arkansas in 2022 with compensation to over 480 employees, charitable contributions, payments to suppliers and taxes paid.