ALASKA POWER ASSOCIATION
The Board of Directors of Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA) seeks a
collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills
to become the next GM due to an upcoming retirement.
Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA) is an electric cooperative that serves the town of Kotzebue, Alaska, also known as Qikiqtaġruk, 31 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The town’s electric grid is isolated and not tied to any larger grid, so the co‑op generates all its power and distributes it to the community of about 3,000, most of which is Inupiat. KEA’s territory is about four-square miles – but the community is central to the region. Kotzebue is the seat of the Northwest Arctic Borough and serves as a hub for transportation, education, and health care for 11 outlying villages.
Kotzebue Electric Association’s recent total operating revenues amount to $9.3 million and it maintains a utility plant valued at $31 million. The co‑op serves over 844 members with 1,200 meters and employs 17 full‑time staff. KEA prioritizes developing new sources of energy for the future, being a pioneer in wind and solar power in an arctic environment. It boasts the northernmost wind farm in the United States and the first above the Arctic Circle. In addition to 12 MW of diesel generation, it operates 1 MW of solar PV, 2.4 MW of installed wind capacity and a 1 MW/MWh lithium‑ion battery. These renewable sources can generate approximately 30 % of KEA’s load, with a goal of reaching 50 %.
Reporting to a 9‑member Board of Directors, the GM is responsible for carrying out the strategic vision of the cooperative that is set by the board.
$9.3 million
Total operating revenue
1,200 meters
The Ideal Candidate
Vision and Strategic Orientation:
Takes a broad‑scale, long‑term view focused on the future needs of the organization and its members.
Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally:
Listens, relates, and expresses oneself in a manner that is effective while supporting mutual understanding.
Commitment to talent development, acquisition, and retention:
Builds and empowers staff to achieve by understanding their professional needs.
Strong focus on safety:
Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
Relationship and team‑building experience:
Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams.
Ability to motivate and positively influence others:
Persuades and motivates others toward outcomes consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Solid financial understanding and grasp of distribution cooperatives:
Is fluent with financial metrics and has a detailed understanding of key financial opportunities, risks, and the budgeting process.
Power supply expertise:
Has a strong understanding of power supply and related issues.
Adaptability:
Can adapt to an extreme environment and support the cultural values of an indigenous far‑north community.
Experience and Expertise
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Preferred: Education or experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering, or Business.
Preferred: At least 5 years of leadership experience.
Preferred: At least 5 years of electric utility experience.
GM experience preferred but not required.
A commitment to cooperative values will set you apart.
Our Location Kotzebue is located on the Baldwin Peninsula in Kotzebue Sound. The town is 549 air miles from Anchorage and has regularly scheduled large commercial passenger aircraft service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Kotzebue is the service and transportation hub for all villages in the northwest region. Given the importance of KEA to the town, the Board of Directors requires that the GM live in Kotzebue.
Benefits We provide an outstanding benefits package that includes a traditional pension plan and a 401(k) with a 4 % company match.
Kotzebue Electric Association is an EEO/affirmative action employer. Race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law are not considered in any employment decision. Learn more at https://www.kea.coop/
How to Apply If interested, please apply at
bsa@khe.com
with a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email) for three professional references. Applications must be received by
January 15, 2026 . If you have any questions, contact
Becki Alvey at 907‑277‑1604 .
All replies are confidential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills
to become the next GM due to an upcoming retirement.
Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA) is an electric cooperative that serves the town of Kotzebue, Alaska, also known as Qikiqtaġruk, 31 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The town’s electric grid is isolated and not tied to any larger grid, so the co‑op generates all its power and distributes it to the community of about 3,000, most of which is Inupiat. KEA’s territory is about four-square miles – but the community is central to the region. Kotzebue is the seat of the Northwest Arctic Borough and serves as a hub for transportation, education, and health care for 11 outlying villages.
Kotzebue Electric Association’s recent total operating revenues amount to $9.3 million and it maintains a utility plant valued at $31 million. The co‑op serves over 844 members with 1,200 meters and employs 17 full‑time staff. KEA prioritizes developing new sources of energy for the future, being a pioneer in wind and solar power in an arctic environment. It boasts the northernmost wind farm in the United States and the first above the Arctic Circle. In addition to 12 MW of diesel generation, it operates 1 MW of solar PV, 2.4 MW of installed wind capacity and a 1 MW/MWh lithium‑ion battery. These renewable sources can generate approximately 30 % of KEA’s load, with a goal of reaching 50 %.
Reporting to a 9‑member Board of Directors, the GM is responsible for carrying out the strategic vision of the cooperative that is set by the board.
$9.3 million
Total operating revenue
1,200 meters
The Ideal Candidate
Vision and Strategic Orientation:
Takes a broad‑scale, long‑term view focused on the future needs of the organization and its members.
Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally:
Listens, relates, and expresses oneself in a manner that is effective while supporting mutual understanding.
Commitment to talent development, acquisition, and retention:
Builds and empowers staff to achieve by understanding their professional needs.
Strong focus on safety:
Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
Relationship and team‑building experience:
Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams.
Ability to motivate and positively influence others:
Persuades and motivates others toward outcomes consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Solid financial understanding and grasp of distribution cooperatives:
Is fluent with financial metrics and has a detailed understanding of key financial opportunities, risks, and the budgeting process.
Power supply expertise:
Has a strong understanding of power supply and related issues.
Adaptability:
Can adapt to an extreme environment and support the cultural values of an indigenous far‑north community.
Experience and Expertise
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Preferred: Education or experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering, or Business.
Preferred: At least 5 years of leadership experience.
Preferred: At least 5 years of electric utility experience.
GM experience preferred but not required.
A commitment to cooperative values will set you apart.
Our Location Kotzebue is located on the Baldwin Peninsula in Kotzebue Sound. The town is 549 air miles from Anchorage and has regularly scheduled large commercial passenger aircraft service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Kotzebue is the service and transportation hub for all villages in the northwest region. Given the importance of KEA to the town, the Board of Directors requires that the GM live in Kotzebue.
Benefits We provide an outstanding benefits package that includes a traditional pension plan and a 401(k) with a 4 % company match.
Kotzebue Electric Association is an EEO/affirmative action employer. Race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law are not considered in any employment decision. Learn more at https://www.kea.coop/
How to Apply If interested, please apply at
bsa@khe.com
with a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email) for three professional references. Applications must be received by
January 15, 2026 . If you have any questions, contact
Becki Alvey at 907‑277‑1604 .
All replies are confidential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr