Charis Charistopoulos has been named executive assistant at La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), reporting directly to Mike Dreyspring, the CEO of the co-op.
Charistopoulos comes to LPEA from the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, where she served in an administrative capacity for two years, working with Executive Director Roger Zalternaitis and the Alliance Board of Directors.
"I had the opportunity to be mentored by very big thinkers," said Charistopoulos, noting her experience there attracted her to LPEA. "I confirmed that I'm very mission-driven, and it's important to me to be part of something that's much bigger than I am."
A graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, with a double major of criminal justice and African-American studies, Charistopoulos enjoys a varied professional background including positions in the restaurant, retail and construction industries. Shortly after arriving in Durango 12 years ago, she also became actively involved, donating her time as a volunteer with the Durango Independent Film Festival (DIFF). For the past nearly eight years she has served as Volunteer Coordinator for DIFF.
"LPEA is a phenomenal organization," said Charistopoulos. "My opportunities over the years have allowed me to grow into the person I am today to work for this company, this CEO and this team of people that make up LPEA."
LPEA also welcomes Dusti Riggs as apprentice dispatcher and Trey Buffalo as equipment operator.
Riggs, who has served as a meter reader collector for LPEA since 2006, has entered the two-year intensive apprentice dispatcher program that includes text and on-the-job training. Riggs is part of the dispatch team, which oversees LPEA's system operations. Dispatchers monitor power flows and voltage, field calls when problems occur within LPEA's service area, troubleshoot outages and dispatch crews to restore power.
Riggs has been involved with the electric utility business since her junior year in high school in Pahrump, Nev. She worked part time for the cooperative Valley Electric Association and when she graduated from high school was offered a full time job as an apparatus and testing specialist. After five years in this position, she moved on to purchasing, learning that aspect of the industry.
"After nine years as a meter reader collector, I wanted to learn more and have a greater challenge in my job," said Riggs, whose understanding of electrical equipment as well as LPEA's service territory from her meter reader position is assisting in the dispatch apprenticeship. "It is interesting to me and I'm looking to the future."
Having worked in construction with heavy equipment for the past nearly eight years, Buffalo comes to LPEA from Crossfire LLC, provider of oil and gas construction services. Born and raised in Salida, he is also an auctioneer and avid rodeo team roper.
As equipment operator, Buffalo works with the line crews in La Plata County, assisting in construction and repair of LPEA's lines in the field.
"Everyone I'm working with is great," said Buffalo. "I'm new to the electric end of construction, but if I have questions, the crews are more than happy to answer them. The safety culture here is outstanding. I'm happy to be here."
LPEA offers a variety of apprenticeships and employment opportunities. To explore employment, or for additional information, visit www.lpea.coop.
