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 Virtual Meet the Candidates Forum
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Wednesday | March 3, 2021
Card Teaser
The one-time virtual event will be held March 18 at 6:30 p.m., and members will be able to follow along via phone or livestream.
Brighton, CO — United Power is moving its traditional Meet the Candidates events to a virtual format this year in response to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-time virtual event will be held March 18 at 6:30 p.m., and members will be able to follow along via phone or livestream.
The cooperative’s Meet the Candidates Forum provides members with the opportunity to hear from each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors in this year’s Director Election. Each candidate will be given a few minutes to speak, and members will also be able to submit questions to candidates.
Ballots for the 2021 Director Election will be mailed to all members in mid-March and must be received by mail by April 14. Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the 2021 Annual Meeting, which will also be held virtually for the second consecutive year. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Member registration for the Annual Meeting is now open on the cooperative’s website.
All previously advertised in-person Meet the Candidate events have been cancelled. This virtual format will be the only Meet the Candidates event. Members can view a livestream video of the event online or dial in to listen to the audio portion over the phone. Registration for the Meet the Candidates Forum is not required.
For more information, including statements from board candidates, how members can tune into the Meet the Candidates Forum or to register for the Annual Meeting, visit www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
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 Awards Four Lineworker Scholarships
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2024_Lineworkers.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gWJT-8p5
Tuesday | January 14, 2025
Card Teaser
Recipients received $7,500 for enrollment costs at a dedicated Power Line program.
Recipients Received $7,500 for Enrollment Costs at a Dedicated Power Line Program
Keeping the lights on is difficult and requires a detailed understanding of how electrical systems work. Without proper training and instruction, however, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Power line programs prepare individuals with the skills and safety awareness necessary for their future careers as lineworkers. As beneficial electrification accelerates across the country, it is also a field that is in high demand. Lineworkers often have access to excellent opportunities including job security, high pay, and exceptional benefits.
United Power awarded four lineworker scholarships to Colorado residents pursuing a career in the profession as part of its Community Benefit Plan through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program.
Parker Horton, Divide, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Horton became interested in a professional career as a lineworker after a conversation with a close family friend, mentor, and retired lineworker. Horton found the career pathway compelling because of its vital role in providing access to electricity, and is eager to contribute to an essential service.
Zackery Johnson, Thornton, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Johnson is pursuing a career as a lineworker because he wants to provide power for the community and provide help after natural disasters. Johnson said enrolling in a power line program interested him because he would like to learn more about the electrical system that powers the country.
Katie Killinen, Bayfield, CO
Colorado Mesa University Tech, Electrical Lineworker Program
Killinen was an intern for La Plata Electric Association over the summer in 2024. She is pursuing line work as a career because it is challenging and rewarding and also enables her to work outside and problem solve with other people. She finds the concepts and theories in electrical work interesting.
Griffin Steele, Fort Collins, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Steele has been working with Fort Collins Water for a year, but has been looking for an opportunity to pursue line work. His favorite part of working in utilities is the sense of purpose it provides. Line work would add a challenge to that sense of purpose and provide a stable long-term career.
Title
United Power Awards Lineworker Scholarships
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2024_Lineworkers.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gWJT-8p5
Friday | January 23, 2026
Card Teaser
Recipients received $7,500 for enrollment costs at a dedicated power line program.
Recipients Received $7,500 for Enrollment Costs at a Dedicated Power Line Program
Keeping the lights on is difficult and requires a detailed understanding of how electrical systems work. Without proper training and instruction, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Power line programs prepare individuals with the skills and safety awareness necessary for their future careers as lineworkers. United Power awarded two lineworker scholarships to Colorado residents pursuing a career in the profession.
Cameron Ewing, Loveland, ColoradoColorado Mesa University Tech, Electrical Lineworker Program
Ewing is pursuing a career as an electrical lineworker because he enjoys challenging, hands-on work that combines physical labor with problem solving. He is looking forward to a long-term career that allows him to contribute to his community.
Wyatt Rickman, Longmont, ColoradoSoutheast Community College, Utility Lineworker Program
Rickman was drawn to the lineworker profession by the demanding physical aspects of the career and the ability to spend time outdoors working in a variety of conditions. He also admires the family-like environment of the lineworker community and looks forward to making a difference and helping others.
Title
United Power Announces New CEO
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_07_27_UPNewCEO.jpg?itok=7VLEXsKm
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 Virtual Meet the Candidates Forum
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MeetTheCandidates.jpg?itok=Kzkxct8l
Wednesday | March 3, 2021
Card Teaser
The one-time virtual event will be held March 18 at 6:30 p.m., and members will be able to follow along via phone or livestream.
Brighton, CO — United Power is moving its traditional Meet the Candidates events to a virtual format this year in response to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-time virtual event will be held March 18 at 6:30 p.m., and members will be able to follow along via phone or livestream.
The cooperative’s Meet the Candidates Forum provides members with the opportunity to hear from each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors in this year’s Director Election. Each candidate will be given a few minutes to speak, and members will also be able to submit questions to candidates.
Ballots for the 2021 Director Election will be mailed to all members in mid-March and must be received by mail by April 14. Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the 2021 Annual Meeting, which will also be held virtually for the second consecutive year. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Member registration for the Annual Meeting is now open on the cooperative’s website.
All previously advertised in-person Meet the Candidate events have been cancelled. This virtual format will be the only Meet the Candidates event. Members can view a livestream video of the event online or dial in to listen to the audio portion over the phone. Registration for the Meet the Candidates Forum is not required.
For more information, including statements from board candidates, how members can tune into the Meet the Candidates Forum or to register for the Annual Meeting, visit www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
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 Awards Four Lineworker Scholarships
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2024_Lineworkers.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gWJT-8p5
Tuesday | January 14, 2025
Card Teaser
Recipients received $7,500 for enrollment costs at a dedicated Power Line program.
Recipients Received $7,500 for Enrollment Costs at a Dedicated Power Line Program
Keeping the lights on is difficult and requires a detailed understanding of how electrical systems work. Without proper training and instruction, however, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Power line programs prepare individuals with the skills and safety awareness necessary for their future careers as lineworkers. As beneficial electrification accelerates across the country, it is also a field that is in high demand. Lineworkers often have access to excellent opportunities including job security, high pay, and exceptional benefits.
United Power awarded four lineworker scholarships to Colorado residents pursuing a career in the profession as part of its Community Benefit Plan through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program.
Parker Horton, Divide, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Horton became interested in a professional career as a lineworker after a conversation with a close family friend, mentor, and retired lineworker. Horton found the career pathway compelling because of its vital role in providing access to electricity, and is eager to contribute to an essential service.
Zackery Johnson, Thornton, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Johnson is pursuing a career as a lineworker because he wants to provide power for the community and provide help after natural disasters. Johnson said enrolling in a power line program interested him because he would like to learn more about the electrical system that powers the country.
Katie Killinen, Bayfield, CO
Colorado Mesa University Tech, Electrical Lineworker Program
Killinen was an intern for La Plata Electric Association over the summer in 2024. She is pursuing line work as a career because it is challenging and rewarding and also enables her to work outside and problem solve with other people. She finds the concepts and theories in electrical work interesting.
Griffin Steele, Fort Collins, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Steele has been working with Fort Collins Water for a year, but has been looking for an opportunity to pursue line work. His favorite part of working in utilities is the sense of purpose it provides. Line work would add a challenge to that sense of purpose and provide a stable long-term career.
Title
United Power Awards Lineworker Scholarships
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2024_Lineworkers.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gWJT-8p5
Friday | January 23, 2026
Card Teaser
Recipients received $7,500 for enrollment costs at a dedicated power line program.
Recipients Received $7,500 for Enrollment Costs at a Dedicated Power Line Program
Keeping the lights on is difficult and requires a detailed understanding of how electrical systems work. Without proper training and instruction, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Power line programs prepare individuals with the skills and safety awareness necessary for their future careers as lineworkers. United Power awarded two lineworker scholarships to Colorado residents pursuing a career in the profession.
Cameron Ewing, Loveland, ColoradoColorado Mesa University Tech, Electrical Lineworker Program
Ewing is pursuing a career as an electrical lineworker because he enjoys challenging, hands-on work that combines physical labor with problem solving. He is looking forward to a long-term career that allows him to contribute to his community.
Wyatt Rickman, Longmont, ColoradoSoutheast Community College, Utility Lineworker Program
Rickman was drawn to the lineworker profession by the demanding physical aspects of the career and the ability to spend time outdoors working in a variety of conditions. He also admires the family-like environment of the lineworker community and looks forward to making a difference and helping others.
