La Plata Electric Association has named longtime employee Dan Harms as its new chief operating officer.
Harms was promoted to the role at the beginning of February, LPEA confirmed. He previously served as the cooperative’s chief strategy officer.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Dan for just over a year, and he has shown deep understanding of LPEA’s operations, strong judgment and a collaborative approach,” CEO Chris Hansen said in a written statement to The Durango Herald. “His experience ensures continuity as we implement a new independent power supply strategy.”
Harms joined LPEA in 1990 after earning a degree in electrical engineering from Colorado State University. He began his career as a staff engineer and later moved into senior leadership roles, gaining experience across nearly every aspect of the cooperative’s operations, according to a news release from LPEA.
Most recently, Harms oversaw power system planning and engineering, secured power supply contracts, led rate design, and prepared LPEA for participation in the Southwest Power Pool regional transmission organization. He also oversaw the Sunnyside Community Solar program, which expanded access to locally generated renewable energy for LPEA members.
As chief operating officer, Harms will oversee LPEA’s operational departments, with a focus on safety, reliability and execution of the cooperative’s strategic priorities.
LPEA declined to make Harms available for an interview and did not respond to questions about how long the COO position had been vacant, the previous person who held the role, the salary associated with the role or the search process that led to his promotion.
The position of chief financial officer also remains vacant, although someone is serving in an interim capacity, Hansen said.
“Leadership transitions are a normal part of organizational evolution,” he said. “LPEA remains stable and focused, with an interim CFO in place and a committed leadership team focused on safety, reliability and supporting employees through change.”
jbowman@durangoherald.com
