Independence Power & Light Director Joe Hegendeffer to depart Aug. 7

Independence Power & Light Director Joe Hegendeffer will leave his position with the City of Independence on Aug. 7 to pursue a new professional opportunity. 

Hegendeffer has led IPL since November 2021. During his tenure, the utility advanced several major initiatives, including long-term energy and generation planning, the planning of Advanced Metering Infrastructure, operational modernization and infrastructure planning to support future growth. 

“Joe has led IPL through an important period of modernization and opportunity,” City Manager Troy Anderson said. “His knowledge, leadership and commitment to public power have helped position the utility for continued success. We appreciate his service to the City, our employees and our customers, and we wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter.” 

Hegendeffer brought more than 20 years of experience in utility operations, power generation and critical infrastructure management. Before joining IPL, he held leadership positions with WaterOne and Evergy, where he managed maintenance, reliability, capital planning and operations for large-scale utility and generation facilities. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinist mate and engineering laboratory technician. Hegendeffer earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Quantic School of Business and Technology and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering technology from Thomas Edison State University. 

Hegendeffer credits IPL employees for the utility’s progress and said serving the organization has been one of the greatest honors of his career. 

“IPL is filled with talented and dedicated employees who care deeply about serving this community,” Hegendeffer said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident this team will continue building on that momentum. Independence has a strong public power utility, and its future is bright.” 

The City will appoint an interim director to ensure continuity of IPL operations and reliable service to the community.