By Laura Schepis
La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Roy Schwalm as Chief Financial Officer, with an accomplished track record of strategic leadership, financial management, and operational excellence.
Schwalm’s background spans nearly three decades and multiple industries, including energy information, real estate, and technology. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning and Development at RE/MAX, where he spent eight years working up through finance and strategy roles. Prior to that, Schwalm spent over a decade at IHS Markit where he held several financial leadership roles focused primarily on portfolio strategy and corporate development activities, including direct involvement in more than 35 strategic transactions. As a fellow Coloradan, Schwalm proudly earned his Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado.
“Roy will play a critical role in leading our financial strategy and supporting our long-term success,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of LPEA. “As we continue advancing our vision of being a member-powered, future-focused, national leader, Roy’s experience will be invaluable to our members and our cooperative.”
As Chief Financial Officer, Schwalm will oversee LPEA’s strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting while helping guide the cooperative’s continued growth and investment in reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions.
“I am excited to join LPEA at such an important time in its history,” said Schwalm. “The cooperative’s commitment to its members, communities, and future is inspiring. I look forward to working alongside the exceptional leadership team and great staff to help strengthen LPEA’s financial position and support its long-term strategic goals.”
About LPEA
La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is a locally owned, member-governed electric cooperative serving approximately 37,000 homes and businesses across Southwest Colorado. As an independent co-op, LPEA is committed to keeping power reliable and affordable while ensuring members have a direct voice in how their energy future is shaped. LPEA serves a diverse region, from rural communities and Tribal partners to growing towns and businesses, each with different energy needs. Whether members are focused on keeping the lights on, managing their bills, or adopting new technologies like solar and battery storage, LPEA is working to meet them where they are. In 2026, LPEA joined the Southwest Power Pool, expanding access to a broader mix of energy resources to strengthen reliability, reduce costs, and support a cleaner, more flexible energy future, while keeping decisions local. Learn more about LPEA at lpea.coop.
Laura Schepis is VP of Government & Community Relations for LPEA.