Title
United Power Announces Jenna Hirsch as Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk
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Monday | August 12, 2024
United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Jenna Hirsch to the newly created position of Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk.
“Jenna is an exciting hire for the cooperative,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Her background in the electric industry is extensive, and the cooperative’s ongoing focus on the safety of both our employees and the public warrants strong leadership in this area.”
Hirsch holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Science in Health and Safety from the University of Denver. Most recently, she served as the Director of Safety and Loss Control for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, providing support and oversight of safety programs for rural electric cooperatives across the state. Her diverse work history includes safety work with the electric generation and transmission industry and in the oil and gas sector.
“United Power’s focus on safety underpins every initiative of the cooperative,” said Gabriel. “The importance of our safety culture is outlined in detail in both our guiding document, Our Cooperative Roadmap, and in the cooperative’s Social Responsibility Report. Any conversation we have at United Power – with leadership, among employees, or with our board – is built on this overarching concept of ‘safety first.’ I am confident that Jenna will bring the innovation and careful oversight we need to this critical aspect of our industry.”
Title
United Power Announces Largest Capital Credit Retirement
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Wednesday | July 17, 2019
Card Teaser
Retirement of $5.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in August
In a co-op, everyone gets a piece of the pie, and beginning in August United Power will be dishing up $5.5 million in capital credit refunds to members. Upon review of cooperative’s financial position, United Power’s Board of Directors authorized the refund to members for 2019—the largest retirement in United Power’s history.
“United Power has a commitment to providing reliable energy to our members, but we also prioritize doing so at an affordable rate,” said John Parker, United Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “While we talk a lot about the benefits we provide to our members both individually and in the community, receiving something you can hold in your hands is a meaningful benefit, and one that differentiates cooperatives from other utilities across the country.”
This year, nearly 90,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2018 or earlier will be eligible. While many members will receive a check, members receiving a refund amount less than $10 will get a credit on their bill. Look for your checks and bill credits to arrive beginning in mid-August through September.
Your capital credit amount is determined based on two factors: how much electricity you use and how long you’ve been a member. The longer you are a member and the more power you use, the larger your share of each retirement. Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the past decade, United Power has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
More About Capital Credits:
You might not realize it, but when you signed up to receive electric service from United Power you became a member—and owner—of an electric utility. While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profits back to their investors, electric co-ops operate on a not-for-profit basis. So instead of returning leftover funds, known as margins, to investors who might not live in the same region or even the same state, we periodically issue capital based on how much you paid the co-op for electricity during a specified time period. Learn more here.
Title
United Power Announces Laurie Rydwell as CFO
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Friday | November 17, 2017
Card Teaser
Brighton, CO – United Power announced that Laurie Rydwell has been selected to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for the electric cooperative
Brighton, CO – United Power announced that Laurie Rydwell has been selected to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for the electric cooperative. The position has been vacant since the promotion of John Parker to CEO in July.
“We are excited to bring such a qualified candidate to our cooperative in this key leadership position,” stated John Parker, United Power CEO. “Laurie brings both experience and expertise to our cooperative. Her background in utilities, coupled with her strong technical background in finances will be a valuable addition to United Power.”
Rydwell most recently worked as Controller at Summit Utilities in Littleton, Colorado. Summit Utilities is a privately-held holding company that owns and operates several natural gas distribution and transmission subsidiaries. Prior to her work with Summit, Rydwell held several positions at Xcel Energy in Denver, managing the accounting operations for revenue, transmission, commercial, and settlements during her tenure. A native of Anchorage, Alaska, her history there included work as a controller for both energy and investment firms, and work as a Chief Financial Officer for an asset management firm in Anchorage. Rydwell is a graduate of the University of Alaska, with a degree in Business Administration, and is a certified public accountant in both Alaska and Colorado.
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United Power Announces Mark Gabriel as CEO
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Thursday | February 18, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power’s Board of Directors has named Mark A. Gabriel as President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective March 15, 2021.
Brighton, Colo. – After a nationwide search, United Power’s Board of Directors has named Mark A. Gabriel as President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective March 15, 2021.
Gabriel, a 25-year veteran in the electric utility business, has served for the past eight years as the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), which is part of the Department of Energy.
“United Power’s Board of Directors is very happy to announce we have selected Mark Gabriel as our new President and CEO,” stated Ursula Morgan, United Power Board Chair. “Mark Gabriel is the right choice to guide United Power into a more successful future. He will help create a lasting impact on our members."
“I am extremely honored to have been selected to lead such an amazing organization as we approach a transformational time in the electricity business,” Gabriel said. “United Power is uniquely positioned to be engaged in the decarbonization of the grid, and to take advantage of the introduction of new technologies as we move to a cleaner energy future.”
Prior to his appointment at WAPA, Gabriel served in numerous positions in the industry, including more than eight years as a management consultant and Acting President at the Electric Power Research Institute where he led the nationwide effort known as the Electricity Sector Framework for the Future. He is also the author of, “Visions for a Sustainable Energy Future”, which won the Indie Award for Environmental Writing.
“United Power has a rich history of innovation and is serving one of Colorado’s, and the Nation’s, fastest growing service territories,” Gabriel said. “The power of the cooperative business model to embrace change is unmatched in its ability to engage with its members for the future.”
Gabriel replaces Acting CEO, Bryant Robbins. Robbins is the Chief Operating Officer and has been filling both roles for the past year.
“The Board is appreciative of Robbins’ leadership and guidance this past year, helping us meet the many challenges of our fast-growing cooperative,” added Morgan.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to more than 97,000 meters at homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The 900 square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. At the end of 2020, the cooperative reached more than 97,000 meters representing more than 300,000 members. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop. ###
Title
United Power Announces National Search for New Chief Executive Officer
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Wednesday | September 2, 2020
Card Teaser
Candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume through October 7, 2020.
Brighton, CO - The United Power’s board of directors has officially begun their search for the next leader of the electric cooperative. John Parker, who was selected as CEO in 2017, retired earlier in 2020. United Power Chief Operating Officer, Bryant Robbins has been acting CEO in the interim. The United Power Board of Directors has retained Holmes Executive Search, LLC to assist in the identification of their next CEO.
A memo addressed to employees and members from the board states that, “Hiring a new CEO is the most important decision that a Board makes, and we take this responsibility as a challenge to build on United Power’s strong reputation and enhance its future performance for our members.”
Candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume to Ken@HolmesExecutiveSearch.com. Application materials will be accepted through October 7, 2020.
CEO Job DescriptionUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 95,000 meters at homes, business, and farms in Colorado's north central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop.###
Title
United Power Announces New CEO
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Thursday | July 27, 2017
Card Teaser
United Power Board President James Vigesaa officially announced the promotion of John Parker to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the cooperative.
United Power Board President James Vigesaa officially announced the promotion of John Parker to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the cooperative. Parker has served as United Power’s Chief Financial Officer since 2006, and has been serving as interim CEO since the resignation of Darryl Schriver on June 8, 2017.
“On behalf of the entire United Power board, we are pleased to announce the promotion of John Parker to CEO,” stated Vigesaa. “John’s many years of service to United Power, coupled with his extensive experience in the cooperative industry is a great leadership match for this utility.”
Parker’s cooperative experience extends back to 1983, and includes experience at Matanuska Electric in Alaska, Cap Rock Electric Cooperative in Texas, and Columbia REA in Washington. Parker earned a Bachelor degree in Business with a concentration in Public Accounting Finance from Gonzaga University. Active in the community, he serves as a director on the Community Reach Foundation and is a member of the Brighton Rotary Club.
“I am honored to be selected for this important leadership position, and I am excited to lead our extraordinary team of employees into the future,” stated Parker. “United Power is a well situated cooperative in terms of growth and finances, and I look forward to helping the cooperative move forward with the many innovative projects under development.”
Title
United Power Announces Plans to Purchase Facility in Western Territory
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Tuesday | April 18, 2017
Card Teaser
United Power is in the process of closing a deal to purchase a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory.
United Power is in the process of closing a deal to purchase a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory. CEO Darryl Schriver made the announcement at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting at the Adams County Fairgrounds. The new facility is located on the east side of I-25, just south of Highway 119.
“The purchase of this building is a great step toward meeting some of United Power’s strategic goals,” stated United Power CEO, Darryl Schriver. “As the territory becomes more populated, our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to our members is vital. This west office will allow us to dispatch trucks and personnel to the west and north sides of our territory quickly without the substantial drive time from the headquarters in Brighton.”
The final closing is planned for next week. The new facility will help the cooperative free up space in the Brighton headquarters to have more room for training and storage. Plans are also in place to lease part of the facility back to United Power’s primary contractor, Ward Electric. Ward Electric recently added United Power logos to their trucks to help members quickly identify cooperative contractors in the field.
“This facility is a win for the cooperative, for Ward Electric and for our members,” stated Schriver. “We’ve been able to negotiate a great financial deal on this purchase, in part because the seller appreciated the cooperative’s profile in the community and sees us a valuable resource. Now we’ll be able to better support the rapidly growing areas in our territory by having trucks and staff that can respond from both sides of our plains territory.”
United Power is also in negotiations to acquire an adjacent plot of undeveloped land. The additional property would allow for the addition of on-site material storage and expanded parking. The cooperative will be communicating updates about the new facility and how it will be used via the member newsletter United Newsline and on the website.
Title
United Power Announces Robbins as Acting CEO
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Thursday | February 27, 2020
Card Teaser
CEO John Parker Retiring
United Power Board Chair, James Vigesaa, announced at an all-employee meeting yesterday, that CEO John Parker is on a medical leave transitioning into retirement. Chief Operating Officer, Bryant Robbins, has been named as Acting CEO, effective immediately. Robbins joined United Power in January 2003 as the Mountain District Manager, before his promotion in January 2017 to Chief Operating Officer.
“With Bryant, we are confident that we have selected a leader who can continue to meet the many challenges of our fast-growing cooperative,” stated Vigesaa. “Not only does Bryant have many years of experience at United Power, a record of success in building teams and leading successful change initiatives, he also served United Power as Acting CEO in 2019 during a previous medical leave.”
Parker joined United Power in 2006 as the CFO and was promoted to CEO in June of 2017.
“As CEO, John successfully led the cooperative on several key initiatives these past two and a half years, and has positioned United Power well to move on to future,” stated Vigesaa. “On behalf of the entire United Power Board, we wish John enjoyment in his retirement and thank him for his contributions.”
Bryant Robbins
Title
United Power Announces Robin Z. Meidhof as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel
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Monday | July 17, 2023
United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Robin Z. Meidhof to the newly created position of Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel.
“Robin brings a uniquely well-suited background to the cooperative, especially as we move forward into our new energy future,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Her background with nearly every legal aspect of utility operations is complemented by her professional experience working with some of the most powerful regulatory agencies in our industry.”
Meidhof is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, and has extensive regulatory, policy, and in-house counsel experience in the utility industry. Following several years as an attorney in the Office of Enforcement, Division of Investigations, for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C., she served as Legal and Policy Advisor to FERC Commissioner Tony Clark. Meidhof then served as Senior Attorney for Southern California Edison Company, leading a wide range of regulatory proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Most recently, she served as the Deputy Attorney General of the Revenue and Utilities Section of the Colorado Office of the Attorney General, where she helped drive innovative leadership initiatives and led a team of legal professionals who represent the Department of Revenue, Trial Staff at the Colorado PUC, the Property Tax Administrator, Division of Housing, and all statewide clients in bankruptcy matters.
“United Power is honored to have such a consummate professional join our executive team. Robin will help us represent the interests of all cooperative members as we depart our power supplier in May of 2024,” stated Gabriel. “The cooperative has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and over this time, our need for Robin’s level of expertise has become increasingly apparent. I know that she is the right person to help move us forward as we exit our current wholesale power contract and acquire lower cost, cleaner energy for our members.”
Title
United Power Announces Jenna Hirsch as Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk
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Monday | August 12, 2024
United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Jenna Hirsch to the newly created position of Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk.
“Jenna is an exciting hire for the cooperative,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Her background in the electric industry is extensive, and the cooperative’s ongoing focus on the safety of both our employees and the public warrants strong leadership in this area.”
Hirsch holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Science in Health and Safety from the University of Denver. Most recently, she served as the Director of Safety and Loss Control for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, providing support and oversight of safety programs for rural electric cooperatives across the state. Her diverse work history includes safety work with the electric generation and transmission industry and in the oil and gas sector.
“United Power’s focus on safety underpins every initiative of the cooperative,” said Gabriel. “The importance of our safety culture is outlined in detail in both our guiding document, Our Cooperative Roadmap, and in the cooperative’s Social Responsibility Report. Any conversation we have at United Power – with leadership, among employees, or with our board – is built on this overarching concept of ‘safety first.’ I am confident that Jenna will bring the innovation and careful oversight we need to this critical aspect of our industry.”
Title
United Power Announces Largest Capital Credit Retirement
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Wednesday | July 17, 2019
Card Teaser
Retirement of $5.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in August
In a co-op, everyone gets a piece of the pie, and beginning in August United Power will be dishing up $5.5 million in capital credit refunds to members. Upon review of cooperative’s financial position, United Power’s Board of Directors authorized the refund to members for 2019—the largest retirement in United Power’s history.
“United Power has a commitment to providing reliable energy to our members, but we also prioritize doing so at an affordable rate,” said John Parker, United Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “While we talk a lot about the benefits we provide to our members both individually and in the community, receiving something you can hold in your hands is a meaningful benefit, and one that differentiates cooperatives from other utilities across the country.”
This year, nearly 90,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2018 or earlier will be eligible. While many members will receive a check, members receiving a refund amount less than $10 will get a credit on their bill. Look for your checks and bill credits to arrive beginning in mid-August through September.
Your capital credit amount is determined based on two factors: how much electricity you use and how long you’ve been a member. The longer you are a member and the more power you use, the larger your share of each retirement. Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the past decade, United Power has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
More About Capital Credits:
You might not realize it, but when you signed up to receive electric service from United Power you became a member—and owner—of an electric utility. While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profits back to their investors, electric co-ops operate on a not-for-profit basis. So instead of returning leftover funds, known as margins, to investors who might not live in the same region or even the same state, we periodically issue capital based on how much you paid the co-op for electricity during a specified time period. Learn more here.
Title
United Power Announces Laurie Rydwell as CFO
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Friday | November 17, 2017
Card Teaser
Brighton, CO – United Power announced that Laurie Rydwell has been selected to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for the electric cooperative
Brighton, CO – United Power announced that Laurie Rydwell has been selected to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for the electric cooperative. The position has been vacant since the promotion of John Parker to CEO in July.
“We are excited to bring such a qualified candidate to our cooperative in this key leadership position,” stated John Parker, United Power CEO. “Laurie brings both experience and expertise to our cooperative. Her background in utilities, coupled with her strong technical background in finances will be a valuable addition to United Power.”
Rydwell most recently worked as Controller at Summit Utilities in Littleton, Colorado. Summit Utilities is a privately-held holding company that owns and operates several natural gas distribution and transmission subsidiaries. Prior to her work with Summit, Rydwell held several positions at Xcel Energy in Denver, managing the accounting operations for revenue, transmission, commercial, and settlements during her tenure. A native of Anchorage, Alaska, her history there included work as a controller for both energy and investment firms, and work as a Chief Financial Officer for an asset management firm in Anchorage. Rydwell is a graduate of the University of Alaska, with a degree in Business Administration, and is a certified public accountant in both Alaska and Colorado.
Title
United Power Announces Mark Gabriel as CEO
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Thursday | February 18, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power’s Board of Directors has named Mark A. Gabriel as President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective March 15, 2021.
Brighton, Colo. – After a nationwide search, United Power’s Board of Directors has named Mark A. Gabriel as President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective March 15, 2021.
Gabriel, a 25-year veteran in the electric utility business, has served for the past eight years as the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), which is part of the Department of Energy.
“United Power’s Board of Directors is very happy to announce we have selected Mark Gabriel as our new President and CEO,” stated Ursula Morgan, United Power Board Chair. “Mark Gabriel is the right choice to guide United Power into a more successful future. He will help create a lasting impact on our members."
“I am extremely honored to have been selected to lead such an amazing organization as we approach a transformational time in the electricity business,” Gabriel said. “United Power is uniquely positioned to be engaged in the decarbonization of the grid, and to take advantage of the introduction of new technologies as we move to a cleaner energy future.”
Prior to his appointment at WAPA, Gabriel served in numerous positions in the industry, including more than eight years as a management consultant and Acting President at the Electric Power Research Institute where he led the nationwide effort known as the Electricity Sector Framework for the Future. He is also the author of, “Visions for a Sustainable Energy Future”, which won the Indie Award for Environmental Writing.
“United Power has a rich history of innovation and is serving one of Colorado’s, and the Nation’s, fastest growing service territories,” Gabriel said. “The power of the cooperative business model to embrace change is unmatched in its ability to engage with its members for the future.”
Gabriel replaces Acting CEO, Bryant Robbins. Robbins is the Chief Operating Officer and has been filling both roles for the past year.
“The Board is appreciative of Robbins’ leadership and guidance this past year, helping us meet the many challenges of our fast-growing cooperative,” added Morgan.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to more than 97,000 meters at homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The 900 square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. At the end of 2020, the cooperative reached more than 97,000 meters representing more than 300,000 members. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop. ###
Title
United Power Announces National Search for New Chief Executive Officer
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Wednesday | September 2, 2020
Card Teaser
Candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume through October 7, 2020.
Brighton, CO - The United Power’s board of directors has officially begun their search for the next leader of the electric cooperative. John Parker, who was selected as CEO in 2017, retired earlier in 2020. United Power Chief Operating Officer, Bryant Robbins has been acting CEO in the interim. The United Power Board of Directors has retained Holmes Executive Search, LLC to assist in the identification of their next CEO.
A memo addressed to employees and members from the board states that, “Hiring a new CEO is the most important decision that a Board makes, and we take this responsibility as a challenge to build on United Power’s strong reputation and enhance its future performance for our members.”
Candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume to Ken@HolmesExecutiveSearch.com. Application materials will be accepted through October 7, 2020.
CEO Job DescriptionUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 95,000 meters at homes, business, and farms in Colorado's north central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop.###
Title
United Power Announces New CEO
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Thursday | July 27, 2017
Card Teaser
United Power Board President James Vigesaa officially announced the promotion of John Parker to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the cooperative.
United Power Board President James Vigesaa officially announced the promotion of John Parker to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the cooperative. Parker has served as United Power’s Chief Financial Officer since 2006, and has been serving as interim CEO since the resignation of Darryl Schriver on June 8, 2017.
“On behalf of the entire United Power board, we are pleased to announce the promotion of John Parker to CEO,” stated Vigesaa. “John’s many years of service to United Power, coupled with his extensive experience in the cooperative industry is a great leadership match for this utility.”
Parker’s cooperative experience extends back to 1983, and includes experience at Matanuska Electric in Alaska, Cap Rock Electric Cooperative in Texas, and Columbia REA in Washington. Parker earned a Bachelor degree in Business with a concentration in Public Accounting Finance from Gonzaga University. Active in the community, he serves as a director on the Community Reach Foundation and is a member of the Brighton Rotary Club.
“I am honored to be selected for this important leadership position, and I am excited to lead our extraordinary team of employees into the future,” stated Parker. “United Power is a well situated cooperative in terms of growth and finances, and I look forward to helping the cooperative move forward with the many innovative projects under development.”
Title
United Power Announces Plans to Purchase Facility in Western Territory
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Tuesday | April 18, 2017
Card Teaser
United Power is in the process of closing a deal to purchase a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory.
United Power is in the process of closing a deal to purchase a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory. CEO Darryl Schriver made the announcement at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting at the Adams County Fairgrounds. The new facility is located on the east side of I-25, just south of Highway 119.
“The purchase of this building is a great step toward meeting some of United Power’s strategic goals,” stated United Power CEO, Darryl Schriver. “As the territory becomes more populated, our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to our members is vital. This west office will allow us to dispatch trucks and personnel to the west and north sides of our territory quickly without the substantial drive time from the headquarters in Brighton.”
The final closing is planned for next week. The new facility will help the cooperative free up space in the Brighton headquarters to have more room for training and storage. Plans are also in place to lease part of the facility back to United Power’s primary contractor, Ward Electric. Ward Electric recently added United Power logos to their trucks to help members quickly identify cooperative contractors in the field.
“This facility is a win for the cooperative, for Ward Electric and for our members,” stated Schriver. “We’ve been able to negotiate a great financial deal on this purchase, in part because the seller appreciated the cooperative’s profile in the community and sees us a valuable resource. Now we’ll be able to better support the rapidly growing areas in our territory by having trucks and staff that can respond from both sides of our plains territory.”
United Power is also in negotiations to acquire an adjacent plot of undeveloped land. The additional property would allow for the addition of on-site material storage and expanded parking. The cooperative will be communicating updates about the new facility and how it will be used via the member newsletter United Newsline and on the website.
Title
United Power Announces Robbins as Acting CEO
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Thursday | February 27, 2020
Card Teaser
CEO John Parker Retiring
United Power Board Chair, James Vigesaa, announced at an all-employee meeting yesterday, that CEO John Parker is on a medical leave transitioning into retirement. Chief Operating Officer, Bryant Robbins, has been named as Acting CEO, effective immediately. Robbins joined United Power in January 2003 as the Mountain District Manager, before his promotion in January 2017 to Chief Operating Officer.
“With Bryant, we are confident that we have selected a leader who can continue to meet the many challenges of our fast-growing cooperative,” stated Vigesaa. “Not only does Bryant have many years of experience at United Power, a record of success in building teams and leading successful change initiatives, he also served United Power as Acting CEO in 2019 during a previous medical leave.”
Parker joined United Power in 2006 as the CFO and was promoted to CEO in June of 2017.
“As CEO, John successfully led the cooperative on several key initiatives these past two and a half years, and has positioned United Power well to move on to future,” stated Vigesaa. “On behalf of the entire United Power Board, we wish John enjoyment in his retirement and thank him for his contributions.”
Bryant Robbins
Title
United Power Announces Robin Z. Meidhof as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel
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Monday | July 17, 2023
United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Robin Z. Meidhof to the newly created position of Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel.
“Robin brings a uniquely well-suited background to the cooperative, especially as we move forward into our new energy future,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Her background with nearly every legal aspect of utility operations is complemented by her professional experience working with some of the most powerful regulatory agencies in our industry.”
Meidhof is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, and has extensive regulatory, policy, and in-house counsel experience in the utility industry. Following several years as an attorney in the Office of Enforcement, Division of Investigations, for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C., she served as Legal and Policy Advisor to FERC Commissioner Tony Clark. Meidhof then served as Senior Attorney for Southern California Edison Company, leading a wide range of regulatory proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Most recently, she served as the Deputy Attorney General of the Revenue and Utilities Section of the Colorado Office of the Attorney General, where she helped drive innovative leadership initiatives and led a team of legal professionals who represent the Department of Revenue, Trial Staff at the Colorado PUC, the Property Tax Administrator, Division of Housing, and all statewide clients in bankruptcy matters.
“United Power is honored to have such a consummate professional join our executive team. Robin will help us represent the interests of all cooperative members as we depart our power supplier in May of 2024,” stated Gabriel. “The cooperative has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and over this time, our need for Robin’s level of expertise has become increasingly apparent. I know that she is the right person to help move us forward as we exit our current wholesale power contract and acquire lower cost, cleaner energy for our members.”
