La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) announced that chief executive officer (CEO), Jessica Matlock, has been hired as the CEO of PNGC Power, the sole operating generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative in the Pacific Northwest that serves power to 16 utilities in seven western states. Matlock was hired by LPEA’s Board of Directors in the spring of 2019 and began her CEO tenure in the summer of 2019.
Since Matlock took over as CEO of LPEA in 2019, she has led the charge to strengthen LPEA’s financial position for its members. Prior to Matlock’s tenure as CEO, LPEA ranked near the bottom of financial performance for cooperatives, but it is now in the top three in Colorado. Under Matlock’s leadership, LPEA also built the first cooperative-owned community solar project in the region, partnered to bring the first vehicle to grid (V2G) in Colorado, and implemented sophisticated grid monitoring systems to increase LPEA’s resiliency and response times.
“I am extremely proud of the team we’ve built at LPEA and the many strategic items we’ve been able to accomplish these past five years,” Matlock said. “While I am very much looking forward to my next career opportunity leading a G&T, I am also excited that my LPEA colleagues and the LPEA Board are in a much stronger position than when I arrived to capitalize on the ever-changing and dynamic energy marketplace and continue providing great service to all our members throughout the region.”
“In my three years on the LPEA board, and especially in this last year as board president, it has been an honor and privilege to work alongside CEO Matlock. Jessica has done an incredible job transforming the financial and cultural health of LPEA. While her departure is unfortunate, she leaves LPEA on solid footing and I am confident that our committed and capable Board of Directors will chart a path forward that will continue LPEA’s positive trajectory for our co-op and its members.”
Matlock will begin her role as PNGC Power’s CEO on April 1, 2024. LPEA’s Board of Directors will begin implementing a transition plan to address the organization’s short and long-term leadership needs.
LPEA is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata, Archuleta, and segments of Hinsdale, Mineral, and San Juan counties. LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative of 22 in Colorado and aims to provide safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to more than 49,000 meters. For additional information, visit lpea.coop.