Griffith brings vast experience to MEA

In an unprecedented move on Jan. 11, the Matanuska Electric Association Board of Directors unanimously voted to offer the permanent position of general manager to Joe Griffith.

“Why spend thousands of dollars searching for a GM when we have the very best right here — a man with proven talent, outstanding statewide respect, years of electrical expertise. The Railbelt organizations are now working with one another. I say let’s offer the position to Mr. Griffith,” said Director Peter Burchell, and with that the room exploded in applause.

Brig. Gen. (ret.) David Glines, director from Eagle River, opened the remarks with his praise of Mr. Griffith stating, “Joe, you have taken classic military leadership and applied it to this organization. I’m very proud to say that I’m witnessing it.”

He added, “Joe, you were the one candidate that clearly saw the state of affairs of MEA. Specifically, Joe, you are doing a great job.”

On the heels of that remark, Acting Human Resources Director Heidi Kelly confirmed the support of the company by explaining that the MEA employees now have e-mail, telephone and communications systems in place, facilitating interdepartmental cooperation and improved customer systems alongside an open-door policy at the top. She also stated that “trust has grown in this organization.” Heads nodded in agreement throughout the room.

Board President Lois Lester called on Director Kit Jones for a motion. The room seemed electrified with the concept of “it’s a new day at MEA,” becoming a true reality with the permanent appointment. Director Jones made the motion to offer the permanent position of GM to Mr. Griffith with a strong second by Directors Janet Kincaid and Katie Hurley.

Mr. Griffith offered his thanks to the board, employees and folks in the audience while adding, “I appreciate your faith in my abilities to get this job done. It will be a challenge for all of us to place our utility on a proper path to the future.”

Director Hurley stated: “We are blessed to have such a talent leading our membership, and I am excited to be a part of this board with our new leadership. Watch out for great things to come with Joe at the helm.”

In describing the tasks that lay ahead for MEA, Mr. Griffith outlined several major challenges — future power supply, fuel contracts, financing for major capital projects to name a few.

When Glines pointed to Mr. Griffith’s military leadership, he was certainly accurate. Mr. Griffith’s outstanding military career began with his appointment to the Air Force Academy, where he earned an undergraduate degree in engineering science and later a master’s degree in general engineering at Oklahoma State University.

Mr. Griffith completed three tours in Vietnam where he flew more than 275 missions in F4 Phantoms. Heading stateside with five Distinguished Flying Crosses, Mr. Griffith completed two assignments at Nellis AFB, one as Fighter Weapons School instructor and the other as a test pilot and commander of the F15 test force. Promoted to full colonel at age 35, Joe was then assigned to the Pentagon in USAF operations handling joint matters worldwide readiness reporting and war gaming. Heading to Alaska, Joe took the top slot as wing commander at Elmendorf Air Force Base and retired from the military in Anchorage. Joe then transitioned quickly to the private sector.

Mr. Griffith was CEO of Chugach Electric Association, where he led that organization both as CFO and CEO until retirement in 2006. Well-known throughout the state, Joe has held leading roles as president of Commonwealth North, chairman of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, president of the Anchorage Opera and president of the Anchorage Museum Association among others.

A highly respected individual with a long line of accolades, Joe is also a dynamic and often humorous speaker. As Director Peter Burchell pointed out, “Whenever Mr. Griffith speaks, people listen.”

Cheryl Heinze works in public relations for MEA.