SDCEA Board Unanimously Re-Appoints Gary Kelly as Interim CEO

October 9, 2023: The Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) Board of Directors has unanimously re-appointed Gary Kelly as interim CEO for the next twelve months. The Board has been engaged in a nationwide search for a new CEO, but the first round of that search was recently completed without finding a successful candidate.

During this 12-month period, the Board will engage in a review of its strategic plan to establish its goals and vision for the near and more distant future of SDCEA. This review will consider the dynamic nature of the industry and the ever-changing policies regarding the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to its members, always with the goal of maintaining SDCEA’s legacy as a resilient and responsible cooperative. The Board will welcome input from the public during this planning phase.

“Gary has taken the reins at a somewhat tumultuous time for our organization and the communities we serve. He’s guided us in a way each of us can be proud of. We truly appreciate his efforts and his willingness to continue this important leadership,” Board Chair Sandra Attebery said in announcing the re-appointment.

Kelly has been with SDCEA since 2022, first as Chief Operating Officer and then as interim CEO. He has a long history of working in the energy industry, having held various positions in the public and private sectors.

“The Board is confident that Gary’s experience and leadership will help SDCEA continue to provide reliable and affordable energy to its members. Once the strategic plan is completed, the Board will re-start its search for a new CEO with a firm grasp of the strategic goals he or she will be tasked with implementing,” Attebery said.

Photo: Gary Kelly, SDCEA Interim CEO and COO.