Ashworth has served as CEO and general manager of Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative since June 2026. He brings 40 years of experience in the electric cooperative system.
Ashworth began his career with Southwest Electric Cooperative in 1986 and served as its CEO and general manager for 18 years. Under his guidance, Southwest Electric Cooperative achieved historic milestones in system reliability, technological innovation, financial stability and safety improvements.
He has also been actively involved in cooperative leadership, serving as president of the Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange board of directors. Throughout his career, Ashworth has demonstrated a strong commitment to rural communities, serving on local boards and committees, including the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation Board of Directors and the Citizens Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors, where he serves as board secretary.
Ashworth holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture education from Missouri State University.