MEA Restructures Leadership Team to Address Challenges Ahead

PALMER — Matanuska Electric Association is currently restructuring its team dynamics.

The MEA Board of Directors approved new strategic goals, including transformation of the Railbelt’s transmission system and diversifying their energy portfolio to 50 percent clean energy by 2050 based on changes in gas supply, growing opportunities in clean energy, the need to build resilience and the evolving needs of its members.

“It is a game-changing moment for MEA and the state,” MEA CEO Tony Izzo stated in the press release. “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 overseen by Chief Energy Transformation Officer, Ed Jenkin and Chief Strategy Officer, Julie Estey, according to the press release.

Current engineering, operations, administration and finance divisions will continue to maintain important daily operations.

Ed Jenkin played an important role in MEA's leadership team for nearly 10 years. He is now working as the Chief Energy Transformation Officer, leading their efforts exploring and implementing the latest technologies and sustainable energy solutions and helping them navigate the ever-evolving energy landscape and reducing their environmental footprint.

Jenkin is also 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.

Jenkin spent 25 years at Chugach Electric Association and served as their Vice President of Power Delivery prior to joining MEA in 2014.

Julie Estey, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)

Julie Estey was promoted to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). She has utilized her strategic vision and in-depth understanding of the energy industry for the last 10 years.

Estey will oversee the development and execution of MEA's long-term strategic efforts, leading the development of legislation, developing partnerships, and working with stakeholders on the transformation of MEA’s system in collaboration with the other Railbelt utilities. She currently serves as the organization’s representative, past Board Chair and founding member of the Railbelt Reliability Council.

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 has been promoted to the position of Chief Administration Officer.

Patterson has been a dedicated member of the MEA team for 5 years. He 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.

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.

For more information, visit mea.coop.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com