Chugach Electric Association is under new leadership as longtime senior manager Lee Thibert has been named the new chief executive officer (CEO). Thibert replaces Brad Evans, who retired as CEO in mid-July after serving eight years in that role.

“This is an exciting time in the Railbelt as we look for opportunities to work with other utilities to better serve all Alaskans with low-cost, reliable power,” said Thibert. “From power pooling and economic dispatch, to utilizing new technologies and renewable integration, there are a number of important and interesting areas we will continue to focus on moving forward.”

Thibert began working at Chugach in 1987 and has held a variety of senior management positions; most recently serving as senior vice president, strategic development and regulatory affairs. During his long career with the utility he has been responsible for a number of important divisions including regulatory, engineering, operations, telecommunications, power production, and power control & fuel supply.

“We are pleased to welcome Lee as the new CEO, and are confident Chugach remains in capable hands with his leadership,” said Janet Reiser, Chugach Board Chair. “This transition should be seamless, as Brad and Lee have worked together for several years. We are confident Lee will continue to advance the interests of Chugach members.”

Born in Minnesota, Thibert has a Bachelor of Arts in organizational management from Alaska Pacific University.  He is a member of the Anchorage Downtown Rotary, and a past board member for Junior Achievement.

Chugach Electric Association, Inc. is a member-owned cooperative with 68,000 members, providing power through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales. Chugach serves about 83,000 locations within its retail service area which includes much of Anchorage and surrounding areas, ranging from the northern Kenai Peninsula on the south, to Tyonek on the west, to Whittier on the east and to the Glenn Highway on the north.

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