Meet the candidates running for the MEA Board of Directors

Residents may have seen flyers or ads for candidates running for office. Not for local or state government positions, but instead there is an election coming up for the Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) At-Large board seats.

There are two MEA At-Large Board seats up for election in this month. Candidate applications were available in mid-December and were due by February 3. Candidate applications were reviewed and approved by the Election Committee.

Here is a snapshot of each candidate running for the At-Large seats, in alphabetical order (due to space limits, some bios have been edited for content; all statements are printed in full):

Anastasia Buretta

I am Anastasia Buretta and I was born and raised in the Eagle River area. I work as a Treasury Associate for the Chugach Alaska Corporation and have several years of accounting experience working in different finance departments across the same company. I graduated from the University of Alaska with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Accounting.

I believe that one of the most important things we can do for our peers and youth is to give them as many opportunities to learn while voicing their observations and opinions while being listened to and appreciated. Just as the voices of the experienced opinions of our elders deserve respect an acknowledgment, the voices of our youth should be granted the opportunity to shine. My grandmother was born in the village of Tatitlek and I have been lucky to learn the values of the land and our people. I believe it is vital that we create a sustainable future that allows the residents of Alaska the freedom to provide for their families and come home to safe, sustainable and affordable utilities.

Why I am running-“I am running for an at large member on the MEA board to bring a unique perspective and a strong vision of growth and possibility into the always prevalent energy distribution that has incredible room for development in the state of Alaska. I strive to explore different options that will bring safe, sustainable and affordable to our beautiful state.”

Bryan Cherry

My name is Bryan Cherry. A geologist by education, my life has taken several twists and turns. I have lived in Colorado, Utah, Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, and now Alaska. I am a 20-year resident of the Fishhook community where my wife and I have raised our family.

I first came to Alaska in 2000 as part of a Las Vegas-based team to investigate and remediate several legacy sites on Amchitka Island. In 2001, we closed several abandoned drill-mud pits. It was a great adventure and made me fall in love with Alaska.

Professionally, I am a project manager. My experience includes construction of design/build projects, sustainment, renewal, and modernization projects, energy management, and environmental remediation efforts. Presently I manage construction projects for a subsidiary of Bering Straits Native Corporation.

Locally I am active in the Fishhook Community Council and have served as their Treasurer for several years. Meeting and interacting with members of my community has given me a true sense of place. Having a strong sense of community, and being actively engaged with that community, are key values of mine.

Why I am running-“I am running for the position of a Director at Large on the Matanuska Electrical Association. MEA is a member run cooperative so the participation of its members is essential to keep MEA on a solid economic footing as we continue to provide reliable service to customers at a fair price. As the service area and our customer base grows, the challenges increase. I want to be a part of the solutions. As a board member my commitment is to support the MEA management, provide input, and to serve as a sounding board for policies. I also want to ensure that MEA continues with our tradition of providing value to our customers through reliability, resilience, while maintaining affordable rates. I will listen more than I speak, encourage innovation, creative, thinking and diversity throughout the entire organization. I will be open and transparent in my dealings with the board, members, and the community.”

Jedediah Cox

Jedediah Cox is a Local Government Specialist with the State of Alaska working in the Rural Utility Business Advisor Program and Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Program. He resides in the Big Lake area as a homeowner and landlord.

Jed works for the State of Alaska providing financial, management, and operational assistance to rural Alaska cities, tribal governments, and non-profit corporations. He also operates a $16 million loan program for the state, which serves small Alaska communities.

Currently, Jed also serves on the Alaska Bar Board of Governors as one of three appointed Public Board Members. Providing fiscal review of the association, standards review, professional discipline, and building management oversight.

Jed earned his MBA from Ashford University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana.

Why I am running-“Public service and government have always been a strong passion of mine. Serving my community in either the private or public sector. I plan to create a respectful and trusting bond with our membership, colleagues, and staff. Thankfully, in my current role as a Local Government Specialist for the State of Alaska and Public Board Member for the Alaska Bar Association I have had the opportunity to discover how much I really enjoy advocating and assisting in the management of public services.

My career and educational experience with the finances, government, and public utilities have been training for higher service, and am excited for this next endeavor.”

Joy Fearn-Condon

I am a lifelong Alaskan and have lived in the Mat-Su Valley for over 16 years with my husband, Bob…I love living in the Valley and believe that we should all take a small part in moving our community forward. I volunteer time with Financial Reality Foundation and have the served on the board for the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, and previously served on the Mat Su Road Service board for over 5 years with one year as Secretary. I love the valley as a resident and a small business owner.

In the early 2000's I served in the U.S. Navy Reserves for 10 years including one deployment to Iraq. The vast majority of my time with the US Navy Reserves was spent in a Construction Battalion (Sea Bee) unit.

I have completed a bachelor's degree and was awarded a Master's Degree in Organizational Management from Wayland Baptist University. My professional development began by working as a professional temporary in many different positions in several industries, including oil & gas, the utility industry and government working mainly in accounting/finance and human resources…Seven years ago, I made a total career change and transitioned into working for myself as a Financial Services Professional with New York Life. I opened an independent office in the Valley in 2018 after working in their Anchorage office... I am well networked in our community and enjoy speaking with people from all walks of life.

Why I am running-“I am a lifelong Alaska who has pride in her country, state and community. I believe that is only in servitude that we can truly give back to those around us. I am an active member of the Mat-Su Community and have been for over seventeen years. I am a small business owner, a resident and a member of MEA. I believe I have the time and interest to invest in the board to see it continue to serve the membership and community. I have a varied background that would be well suited to the board; and my previous board experiences, analytical mind and ability to build consensus and problem resolution would make me an ideal fit for the board. My previous experience with the Navy Reserves and other utilities help me understand exactly what it takes behind the scenes to make the lights come on when you flip the switch. I look forward to serving you on the MEA Board.”

Constance “Connie” Fredenberg

I was raised in a small Ohio farm town. Urbana, Ohio reminds me a whole lot of Palmer – except Palmer has way better scenery. As a Wildlife Biology student at Ohio State University, I chanced upon an unbelievable opportunity to travel from Ohio to Barrow/Utqiagvik in June of 1978 for a summer job as an Animal Research Intern at the Naval Arctic Research Lab. It changed my life…That summer visit also became 45 years and a great life in Alaska.

When I became pregnant with my first child, my partner and I moved from Utqiagvik to Pt. Hope, his family home. I loved Pt. Hope. The Inupiat elevate sharing to a science. I learned countless valuable lessons and skills from the people of Pt. Hope…while there, I graduated from UAF in 1989 with a degree in education/linguistics. I worked as a postal clerk, elementary teacher, magistrate, and agent for bush airlines over the next ten years.

In 1993 I returned to my roots and took a job as Farm Manager at the Palmer Musk Ox Farm…I’ve worked all over the state with electric utility staff…I have helped several communities through the first steps of developing a local renewable energy resource, including resource and environmental assessments and grant submissions. The goal is to keep the money in the village rather than bleed money to outside fuel vendors.

Why I am running-“A wise elder from the Bristol Bay region once told me, “We are all in the same boat with making energy from fossil fuels, those outside of Rural Alaska just don’t know it yet”. Recent revelations regarding Cook Inlet Gas give credence to his words. That gas is now glaringly not always going to be there for us, and the price is only going to go up and up as it gets more scarce. The purchase of natural gas is already 40% of MEA’s expenses. Before it comes to crunch time, our utility needs to get started on developing alternatives to natural gas. These projects take time to develop. Very soon there will be significant funding opportunities for alternative energy projects through the Inflation Reduction Act. MEA needs to be prepared to strike while the iron is hot. I’d like to help do that. We all want safe, reliable, and affordable energy.”

Greg Hunt

He is a retired U.S. Navy Veteran. Served 20 years as a Chief Electronics Technician/Inspector specializing in satellite communications, radar, television, navigation and computer control systems. Member of American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 since 2013.

He has an Undergraduate degree in General Studies (Marketing/Business) City University, and a Graduate Degree in Education from Old Dominion University.

He is the founder and principal at GH Management & Consulting, and CFO/COO of multi-million dollar retail operation in Alaska. CEO/ED of leadership foundation. CTIO (Contract) for Native Alaskan Non-Profit Organization. Since 2002, served on many government and non-profit boards. Experience in board governance, strategic planning, process improvement, budgeting, communications and fundraising.

Why I am running-“A forward thinking strategic planner, executive leader and business owner who has been involved with government and non-profit communities for over 20 years. He is an MEA member, both as a business owner and private resident. After retiring from military service, he spent 10 years in Washington serving in a variety of board positions, also serving as a full time Music Minister. In 2013, Hunt permanently relocated to Glacier View, Alaska to be near his extended Alaskan family where he currently resides with his wife, Kim, their 2 children and families, plus 5 grandchildren.”

David Krumm

Candidate withdrew from the election after the election materials were printed and packaged. The candidate's name will appear on the printed ballot and a "withdrew" note will be listed on the online ballot.

Ted Leonard

I am a long-time valley resident; my wife Colleen and I have raised our children here and have been involved in the community for many years. Our goal is to continue to help our community be a great place to raise a family and enjoy all the valley has to offer.

I have served on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly representing the Greater Wasilla Area.

After retiring from the State of Alaska, I began working for non-profit organizations serving communities in Alaska. I am currently employed as the Finance Director for CCS Early Learning.

I served as the executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), a billion-dollar finance development corporation, for seven years… also served as a Board member for the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank which provided financing for projects in communities across the State of Alaska.

I have served in other financial capacities for state and local governments-deputy commissioner for Commerce for the State of Alaska, Director of Finance and Administrative Services for the City of Wasilla and various finance positions for school districts across the state. I have also worked in the private sector as a Chief Financial Officer for a pharmacy and home health care corporation. I also am a small business owner providing accounting and financial services.

Why I am running-“ I believe an essential keystone to the health of any community is to have safe, reliable power at the lowest cost possible. Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) has been one of the most successful Electric utilities in providing this type of power while navigating all the challenges of our time. I believe that my skills and experience would be valuable to the Board in moving forward to meet MEA’s priorities for our growing community.

I have firsthand knowledge of how important MEA is to the Mat-Su Borough and their stewardship to every co-op member. While on the assembly, the citizens of the Williwaw neighborhood, located in the Wasilla area, came to me to see if MEA could assist with their dark streets where children were afraid to stand at their neighborhood bus stops. When the issue was brought to MEA management, MEA stepped in quickly and put in lights at all the bus stops. MEA’s prompt response and increased visibility helped immensely in this crime ridden neighborhood. This was the first step of many to help this area become a safe and thriving neighborhood.

MEA is the type of organization, and board, that I would be proud to serve on.”

Dan Tucker (incumbent)

I have always felt that a person’s character is formed by their experiences. I believe it is possible that few have been as lucky and experienced as me… I was born and lived my first 18 years in Western Massachusetts.

Then I grew wings, went into the Air Force, and grew some more… I came to Alaska, arriving October 19, 1969. I still remember looking out the window while on final approach into Anchorage and saying to myself – “I’ve found my new home.”

I worked at the Elmendorf Fire Department, and the (City of) Anchorage Fire Department, then the Greater Anchorage Area Borough Fire Department - concurrently. I eventually left the Air Force and hired on full-time with the AFD in 1973. I retired from AFD, as a battalion chief, in 2002 after 29 years.

Concurrently, I’ve owned at least 7 businesses ranging from sales, to construction, to excavating, to consulting. In 1977, I became a MEA owner/member. Since then, I spent more than 15 years actively involved on the MEA Bylaws and Election Committees and was instrumental in the overhaul of the election/voting process about 10 years ago.

I applied for and was appointed to the director seat vacated by Director Janet Kincaid. I’ve held that seat for two years now and progressed aggressively in the learning curve and courses for advanced director training. I’ve achieved Director Gold, the top credential, which is often not achieved until after many years on the board.

Tomorrow’s challenges are what I’m planning towards today.

Why I am running-“ About 16 years ago, the MEA Board changed. The Board became proactive and put the members interest before politics. And it has ever since.

The MEA Board has promoted strides ahead in all areas: membership representation, becoming much more stable in operation, operating much more safely, and holding costs down. The Board recognized the need for and achieved the Eklutna power plant, the Railbelt Energy cooperative, improved line clearing, and better, safer equipment. The Board has completely changed the way MEA works over the past 12-to-17 years and it shows.

I know how we got here. I’m proud to have been part of it with over 15 years participation on multiple committees’; involvement with proposals for, and significant changes in Bylaws; Board-member interaction; and overall, Valley-wide contributions.

I want to see it continue; I don’t want us to lose what we’ve gained - MEA is now the leading Coop in the entire state. I want to help continue our leadership into our future. Please vote for Dan Tucker for the MEA Board.”

Election materials with information on each candidate and ballots have been mailed to all MEA members at the end of March. Voters may select up to two candidates on the ballot. Voters may view full bios and each candidate did post a video, and the link is www.mea.coop/2023elections

All ballots must be received-not postmarked-by Monday, April 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. If voting by mail, please be sure to sign the back of the return envelope otherwise the ballot will be disqualified.

If you have questions about voting or casting a ballot, please call the Election Overseer’s Help Hotline at 1-855-761-9111.