La Plata Electric Association announced Friday that the board of directors tapped the organization’s general counsel, Graham Smith, to serve as interim CEO following an announcement in February that current CEO Jessica Matlock is leaving for a new role.

Her last day will be March 15, and Smith will assume a dual role as interim CEO and general counsel the following day.

LPEA is a member-owned power cooperative that serves La Plata and Archuleta counties, and portions of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties.

Smith has served as the organization’s general counsel for over three years, according to LPEA spokeswoman Amanda Anderson.

“We are proud that LPEA’s leadership team can rise to the challenge and support the Board of Directors in this time of change,” said LPEA Board President Ted Compton in a news release. “Graham is the obvious choice because he currently partners closely with Jessica on all decisions and strategy and will create a consistent and smooth transition.”

Smith was not available for comment Friday.

He said in the release that he felt privileged and deeply committed to the organization.

According to previous reporting by The Durango Herald, Smith worked as an attorney in Durango for over a decade. In 2020, he was one of three finalists nominated for a spot on the state’s district court bench. Gov. Jared Polis ultimately chose Anne Woods for the position.

Smith will fill the role on an interim basis until the board conducts a national search for a permanent executive. The expected timeline on that search has not been released.

rschafir@durangoherald.com