2025 40 Under 40: Jenna Vickers

Jenna Vickers says that following career advice to do excellent work wherever you are has led to her leadership role with Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.

After five years as an auditor at what is now Forvis Mazars LLP, Vickers, 30, began work in 2021 with AECI, a wholesale power generator for over 50 electric cooperatives in Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma. Within two years, she became a senior accountant and in 2024 was promoted to manager of its general accounting and tax department.

“Caring is the common thread that weaves through my work and interactions, defining my approach to leadership and service,” she says.

Vickers is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants, serving as chair from 2022-23 of the latter organization.

Best productivity hack? Time blocking! So simple, but moving from a traditional to-do list and placing things on my calendar (and trying my best to stick to that plan) has been a game-changer.

Best piece of advice you’ve received? Cream always rises. It’s a constant reminder to trust in the value of hard work, integrity and quality. No matter the challenges, true excellence will eventually shine through.

Favorite book? “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. It goes beyond spreadsheets and numbers (which I love on their own!) and dives into the human behavior and emotions that shape our financial decisions.

Favorite local food order? The whipped goat cheese appetizer from The Garrison at Finley Farms. So good!