With family ties to the cooperative dating back nearly nine decades, Chris Magee has joined United Cooperative Services’ Board of Directors to represent District 5.

United’s Board of Directors is responsible for providing strategic oversight to ensure the cooperative continues to provide exceptional service and value to its members. With deep community roots and a strong background in leadership and governance, Magee said he looks forward to helping United build on its strong foundation while preparing for future opportunities.

Magee’s connection to the co-op runs deep. His great-grandfather, Pat Walker, became member No. 102 when Johnson County Electric Cooperative Association energized his service in December 1939. The original certificate—still hanging on the family’s property—serves as a reminder of the co-op’s early days bringing electricity to rural communities.

“For our family, United has always represented progress and community,” Magee said. “It is an honor to now serve the same co-op that served my great-grandfather.”

A lifelong educator and community leader, Magee brings more than two decades of experience in public education. He currently serves as Director of Institutional Advancement for Alvarado Independent School District and previously spent 12 years as Alvarado High School principal. His career also includes district operations leadership, campus administration and classroom instruction.

In addition to his work in education, Magee has served nearly 15 years on the Bethany Special Utility District Board and has been actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Alvarado Lion’s Club, the Alvarado Santa’s Helpers and the Alvarado ISD Education Foundation.

Magee said the cooperative’s principles—collaboration, accountability and service to others—closely mirror the values that have guided his career.

United CEO Cameron Smallwood said Magee’s deep community ties and governance experience will serve the cooperative well.

“Chris understands what it means to serve,” Smallwood said. “His background in education and public service, combined with his family’s longstanding connection to this cooperative, brings both perspective and purpose to our board. We are pleased to welcome him and look forward to the leadership he will provide on behalf of our members.”