Leslie Kaufman is the new executive vice president and general manager of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC), replacing Chuck Soderberg, who retired Aug. 1 after a 45-year career. Kaufman, a licensed attorney, previously worked as the director of government relations and legal counsel for Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC) since 2017. Before joining KEC, Kaufman served as the president and CEO of the Kansas Cooperative Council for nearly 15 years and worked in public affairs for the Kansas Farm Bureau. “Leslie is a visionary leader and seasoned executive,” Kenny Vandenberg, IAEC board president, said in a prepared statement. “She brings a unique combination of skills and experience to lead the association into a new era.” Kaufman started her new role July 29.