At its June meeting, the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) board elected new leadership roles for the 2025–26 term. Nicole Pitcher of Pagosa Springs was elected president of the board of directors, leading a 12-member group representing the cooperative’s members. 

Other officers elected include: 

• Ted Compton, District 3, vice president 
• John Witchel, District 4, secretary 
• Tim Wheeler, District 4, treasurer 

Dusty Mars of District 1 and Brad Blake of District 2, the board’s two newest directors, were appointed to serve on the Round Up Foundation board. The foundation distributes grants to local nonprofits and community programs, funded by LPEA members who choose to round up their monthly electric bills. 

In addition, Kirsten Skeehan of District 1 was appointed as LPEA’s representative to the Colorado Rural Electric Association, with Blake as the alternate. David Luschen of District 4 will continue to serve as LPEA’s representative to Western United Electric, with Skeehan as alternate. 

“Our members expect strong, thoughtful leadership, and this board reflects just that,” said LPEA CEO Chris Hansen. “Together, they will guide LPEA through its ongoing energy transition, ensuring our power remains reliable and affordable for generations to come.” 

LPEA’s board of directors is elected by members to represent four districts and guide the cooperative’s power supply, finances, policies, and oversee its critical energy transition toward more sustainable and local resources. For more information on LPEA’s board and governance, visit lpea.coop/board-directors.