La Plata Electric Association’s new CEO will earn more than her predecessor.
Jessica Matlock will make $285,000 annually, a bit more than current co-op CEO Mike Dreyspring, who earns $252,948, according to a news release.
“This salary is in line with other cooperatives and public utilities, as well as the salary for retiring CEO Mike Dreyspring,” said LPEA Board President Bob Lynch in the release.
The co-op’s board voted 10-2 to release Matlock’s salary Wednesday. Board members Joe Lewandowski and Jack Turner were opposed.
The Durango Herald formally requested Matlock’s salary and benefits in April. The co-op released Matlock’s salary excluding benefits.
The board reviewed the Herald’s request in compliance with the co-op’s policy on disclosing employee compensation.
Electrical co-ops are nonprofits and must report how much their CEOs earn to the federal government as part of tax filings. In 2017, Dreyspring earned $296,896 in salary and benefits.
Matlock is expected to start work at LPEA on July 22. She comes from Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 in Washington, the 12th largest utility in the U.S.
As assistant general manager for the Washington utility, she manages a staff of 170, overseeing customer and energy services, and external and government affairs. She also oversees the utility’s efforts to develop and operate solar energy, energy efficiency and electrification of transportation programs.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
