Palmer, AK – Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. is restructuring its executive leadership team to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global energy industry and manage uncertainties ahead.
Based on changes in gas supply, growing opportunities in clean energy, the need to build resilience and MEA’s evolving member needs, the member-led cooperative’s Board of Directors approved new strategic goals, including transformation of the Railbelt’s transmission system and diversifying MEA’s energy portfolio for 50% clean energy by 2050.
“It is a game-changing moment for MEA and the state,” said MEA Chief Executive Officer Tony Izzo. “I am realigning my executive team to accelerate progress on securing a diverse, resilient and secure energy future while ensuring we are executing the critical mission of providing an essential service to our growing service territory.”
The revised organizational structure creates a new Strategic Implementation Division led by Chief Energy Transformation Officer, Ed Jenkin and Chief Strategy Officer, Julie Estey to allow MEA to drive towards strategic goals of fuel supply, energy resilience and fuel diversification as well as collaboration with the other utilities and stakeholders. Existing engineering, operations, administration and finance divisions will maintain the priority on critical day-to-day work.
 Ed Jenkin, Chief Energy Transformation Officer (CETO)
Ed Jenkin, who has been an integral part of MEA's leadership team for nearly 10 years, is now our Chief Energy Transformation Officer. In this role, Jenkin will lead MEA's efforts to explore and implement cutting-edge technologies and sustainable energy solutions, helping MEA navigate the ever-evolving energy landscape and reduce our environmental footprint. Jenkin is responsible for executing MEA’s external strategic plan and developing the technical course for providing energy diversification and transformation of MEA’s system as well as collaboration with the rest of the Railbelt. In his previous roles as the Chief Operations Officer, Jenkin oversaw the planning and development of capital projects, engineering, operations and power dispatch for the cooperative. Prior to joining MEA in 2014, Jenkin spent 25 years at Chugach Electric Association and served as their Vice President of Power Delivery.
 Julie Estey, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Julie Estey has been promoted to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Estey has been with MEA for 10 years and has consistently demonstrated her strategic vision and deep understanding of the energy industry. As Chief Strategy Officer, Julie will oversee the development and execution of MEA's long-term strategic initiatives, ensuring our organization remains at the forefront of the energy sector. As the CSO, Estey will lead external efforts in the development of legislation, developing partnerships and working with stakeholders on the transformation of MEA’s system in collaboration with the other Railbelt utilities. Under her previous role, Estey served as the Senior Director of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Matanuska Electric Association (MEA), where she also oversaw the Public and Member Relations Division; managed MEA’s strategic plan and carbon reduction goal; educated stakeholders on MEA’s interests identified with consumer input; and represented MEA’s interests before local, state, and national forums. She serves as the organization’s representative, past Board Chair and founding member of the Railbelt Reliability Council, the recently certificated Electric Reliability Organization for the interconnected Alaska Railbelt electric system.
 Tony Zellers, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Tony Zellers, with his extensive experience of 19 years at MEA, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Zellers will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Association, ensuring that we continue to deliver reliable and efficient energy services to our members. As the Chief Operating Officer, Zellers will lead both the Power Supply and Power Delivery divisions. Zellers has served in various operational roles at MEA including dispatch, power restoration, and most recently serving as the Senior Director of Power Supply. Zellers played a key role in the construction and commissioning of the Eklutna Generation Station, providing project management for engineering, construction, and equipment and materials of the 170 MW power plant.
 Justin Patterson, Chief Administration Officer (CAO)
Justin Patterson, who has been a dedicated member of the MEA team for 5 years, has been promoted to the position of Chief Administration Officer. Patterson will be responsible for overseeing the administrative functions critical to MEA's success, including human resources, safety, process improvement and member services. Patterson joined MEA in 2018 after spending over 20 years in the telecom industry in a wide variety of roles in retail storefronts, call centers, finance, and Human Resources. Patterson holds an MBA and PHR certification.
Additionally, David Pease has been promoted to General Counsel from In-House Counsel, a position he has served in for 12 years. Matt Reisterer will maintain his current role as Chief Financial Officer in which he has served the Cooperative for the past 10 years. |
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