Click here to watch Candidate Anastasia Buretta's Video

I am running for an at large member on the MEA board to bring a unique perspective and a strong vision of growth and possibility into the always prevalent energy distribution that has incredible room for development in the state of Alaska. I strive to explore different options that will bring safe, sustainable and affordable to our beautiful state.

I am Anastasia Buretta and I was born and raised in the Eagle River area. I work as a Treasury Associate for the Chugach Alaska Corporation and have several years of accounting experience working in different finance departments across the same company. I graduated from the University of Alaska with a Bachelors degree in Business Management and Accounting. While attending UAA, I was the president of the Accounting club and thoroughly enjoying connecting students with different opportunities within our community. I believe that one of the most important things we can do for our peers and youth is to give them as many opportunities to learn while voicing their observations and opinions while being listened to and appreciated. Just as the voices of the experienced opinions of our elders deserve respect an acknowledgment, the voices of our youth should be granted the opportunity to shine. My grandmother was born in the village of Tatitlek and I have been lucky to learn the values of the land and our people. I believe it is vital that we create a sustainable future that allows the residents of Alaska the freedom to provide for their families and come home to safe, sustainable and affordable utilities.

Click here to watch Candidate Bryan Cherry's Video

I am running for the position of a Director at Large on the Matanuska Electrical Association. MEA is a member run cooperative so the participation of its members is essential to keep MEA on a solid economic footing as we continue to provide reliable service to customers at a fair price. As the service area and our customer base grows, the challenges increase. I want to be a part of the solutions. As a board member my commitment is to support the MEA management, provide input, and to serve as a sounding board for policies. I also want to ensure that MEA continues with our tradition of providing value to our customers through reliability, resilience, while maintaining affordable rates. I will listen more than I speak, encourage innovation, creative, thinking and diversity throughout the entire organization. I will be open and transparent in my dealings with the board, members, and the community.

My name is Bryan Cherry. A geologist by education, my life has taken several twists and turns. I have lived in Colorado, Utah, Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, and now Alaska. I am a twenty-year resident of the Fishhook community where my wife and I have raised our family. We have two grown children, two dogs, and an interloper cat. Like most Alaska residents, I enjoy the outdoors, especially fishing and snowmachine riding.

I first came to Alaska in 2000 as part of a Las Vegas-based team to investigate and remediate several legacy sites on Amchitka Island. In 2001, we closed several abandoned drill-mud pits. It was a great adventure and made me fall in love with Alaska. In 2003, in classic fashion, we sold most of our household belongings, loaded our kids, two dogs, and a cat (same kids, different cat and dogs) into a trailer, and headed north. Twenty-three days, ten hours, and fifteen minutes later, we rolled into Wasilla. We spent two weeks living in the trailer at the site of what is now Mat-Su Regional Hospital while we waited to take possession of our house.

Professionally, I am a project manager. My experience includes construction of design/build projects, sustainment, renewal, and modernization projects, energy management, and environmental remediation efforts. Presently I manage construction projects for a subsidiary of Bering Straits Native Corporation. My portfolio includes the remodeling of the Anchorage Sam’s Club Building, replacement of hanger doors for the Air National Guard, and upgrades to several electrical systems and fire alarms at Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely. Previously, I have managed environmental investigations, performed as a Resource Efficiency Manager charged with improving the energy efficiency at various Long Range Radar Sites for the 611th Air Support Squadron, and project management at Terrasond.

Early in my career, I worked in the oil and gas industry for a small exploration and production company and a minerals exploration chasing drilling rigs around the Colorado Plateau.

Locally I am active in the Fishhook Community Council and have served as their Treasurer for several years. When my son was younger, I was active with the Boy Scouts, and have coached soccer teams here in the Mat-Su. Meeting and interacting with members of my community has given me a true sense of place. Having a strong sense of community, and being actively engaged with that community, are key values of mine.

Click here to watch Candidate Jed Cox's Video
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Public service and government have always been a strong passion of mine. Serving my community in either the private or public sector. I plan to create a respectful and trusting bond with our membership, colleagues, and staff. Thankfully, in my current role as a Local Government Specialist for the State of Alaska and Public Board Member for the Alaska Bar Association I have had the opportunity to discover how much I really enjoy advocating and assisting in the management of public services.

My career and educational experience with the finances, government, and public utilities have been training for higher service, and am excited for this next endeavor.

Jedediah Cox is a Local Government Specialist with the State of Alaska working in the Rural Utility Business Advisor Program and Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Program. He resides in the Big Lake area as a homeowner and landlord.

Jed works for the State of Alaska providing financial, management, and operational assistance to rural Alaska cities, tribal governments, and non-profit corporations. He also operates a $16 million loan program for the state, which serves small Alaska communities.

Currently, Jed also serves on the Alaska Bar Board of Governors as one of three appointed Public Board Members. Providing fiscal review of the association, standards review, professional discipline, and building management oversight.

Prior to joining the State of Alaska in December 2018, Jed was a professor and teacher in the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, and China working for universities and public schools while continuing his education. He taught English and basic Business Administration courses.

Jed earned his MBA from Ashford University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana.

Click here to watch Candidate Joy Fearn-Condon's Video

I am a lifelong Alaska who has pride in her country, state and community. I believe that is only in servitude that we can truly give back to those around us. I am an active member of the Mat-Su Community and have been for over seventeen years. I am a small business owner, a resident and a member of MEA. I believe I have the time and interest to invest in the board to see it continue to serve the membership and community. I have a varied background that would be well suited to the board; and my previous board experiences, analytical mind and ability to build consensus and problem resolution would make me an ideal fit for the board. My previous experience with the Navy Reserves and other utilities help me understand exactly what it takes behind the scenes to make the lights come on when you flip the switch. I look forward to serving you on the MEA Board.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply to serve on the MEA Board of Directors. As a means of introduction, I am pleased to summarize my life in Alaska, my professional development and describe the influences that makes me who I am today.

Life in Alaska began for me when my family moved to Alaska in 1972. As a young person, landing in Fairbanks with my parents Alaska quickly became home. My parents both worked on construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline and I've resided in Alaska since that time. I am a lifelong Alaskan and have lived in the Mat-Su Valley for over 16 years with my husband, Bob. He and I enjoy all that Alaska has to offer and are avid campers that enjoy hunting, fishing and just enjoy hanging out in the backyard with our dogs. I love living in the Valley and believe that we should all take a small part in moving our community forward. I volunteer time with Financial Reality Foundation and have the served on the board for the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, and previously served on the Mat Su Road Service board for over 5 years with one year as Secretary. I love the valley as a resident and a small business owner.

In the early 2000's I served in the U.S. Navy Reserves for 10 years including one deployment to Iraq. While I served in the Navy it provided me with an opportunity to understand and work with people from all walks of life. I earned three Navy Achievement Medals and the Iraq Campaign medal. The vast majority of my time with the US Navy Reserves was spent in a Construction Battalion (Sea Bee) unit.

I have completed a bachelor's degree and was awarded a Master's Degree in Organizational Management from Wayland Baptist University. My professional development began by working as a professional temporary in many different positions in several industries, including oil & gas, the utility industry and government working mainly in accounting/finance and human resources. Approximately seven years ago I made a total career change and took all my work experience and transitioned into working for myself as a Financial Services Professional with New York Life. I opened an independent office in the Valley in 2018 after working in their Anchorage office for training and development. I am well networked in our community and enjoy speaking with people from all walks of life.

Click here to watch Candidate Connie Fredenberg's Video
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A wise elder from the Bristol Bay region once told me, “We are all in the same boat with making energy from fossil fuels, those outside of Rural Alaska just don’t know it yet”. Recent revelations regarding Cook Inlet Gas give credence to his words. That gas is now glaringly not always going to be there for us, and the price is only going to go up and up as it gets more scarce. The purchase of natural gas is already 40% of MEA’s expenses. Before it comes to crunch time, our utility needs to get started on developing alternatives to natural gas. These projects take time to develop. Very soon there will be significant funding opportunities for alternative energy projects through the Inflation Reduction Act. MEA needs to be prepared to strike while the iron is hot. I’d like to help do that. We all want safe, reliable, and affordable energy.

I was raised in a small Ohio farm town. Urbana, Ohio reminds me a whole lot of Palmer – except Palmer has way better scenery. As a Wildlife Biology student at Ohio State University, I chanced upon an unbelievable opportunity to travel from Ohio to Barrow/Utqiagvik in June of 1978 for a summer job as an Animal Research Intern at the Naval Arctic Research Lab. It changed my life. I went from a struggling student to straight A’s. That summer visit also became 45 years and a great life in Alaska.

When I became pregnant with my first child, my partner and I moved from Utqiagvik to Pt. Hope, his family home. I loved Pt. Hope. The Inupiat elevate sharing to a science. I learned countless valuable lessons and skills from the people of Pt. Hope and am honored to still call many my friends and family. I gave birth to three children while there and graduated from UAF in 1989 with a degree in education/linguistics through the old distance delivered X-CED program. I worked as a postal clerk, elementary teacher, magistrate, and agent for bush airlines over the next ten years.

In 1993 I returned to my roots and took a job as Farm Manager at the Palmer Musk Ox Farm. After 3 years I built my own house on land I bought at the far end of the Farm and moved on to other work that was easier on my body. My children grew up, I gained seven grandchildren, and I made sure I have enough animals on my own little farm to satisfy my need for caretaking. And gardening! I raise chickens, pigs, and a big garden every year now. I love making sauerkraut and jarring fish - and sharing the bounty. I look forward to sewing again once I retire at the end of this year.

I have actively sought work that allowed me give back to rural Alaska. I’ve worked all over the state with electric utility staff – installing pre-pay meters, teaching meter reading, billing, rate setting, and utility reporting. The cost and headache of importing fuel to remote communities is agonizing. I have helped several communities through the first steps of developing a local renewable energy resource, including resource and environmental assessments and grant submissions. The goal is to keep the money in the village rather than bleed money to outside fuel vendors.

Click here to watch Candidate Gregory Hunt, Sr.'s Video
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As your at-large board member, I will ensure that all MEAmember-owners continue to receive affordable, clean, renewable power for theirhomes and businesses. I will work hard to focus on four main priorities:

Affordability. Lower service rates/usage through creative cost reducing measures by:

• delaying capital projects.
• investing more in local solar/wind energy.
• increasing system efficiencies.
• hedging power purchases.
• promoting “Beat the Peak” programs.

Consistency. Maintain focus on safe, reliable energy by:

• protecting power lines via a robust and aggressive “right-of-way” maintenance program.
• using the “power” of technology for remote monitoring/switching/troubleshooting.

Transparency. Improve outage communications by:

• alerting to multiple platforms (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter).
• enabling service notifications feature on SmartHub (text alerts).
• including photos of problem areas to provide clarity.
• providing regular, non-emergent communications (education/FAQs).

Sustainability. Deliver clean electricity over a grid that is more efficient, resilient and capable by:

• increasing renewable energy sources.
• reducing carbon emissions.
• coordinating energy resources through advanced grid operations

As a servant leader, I will always keep the MEA membership “front and center” and be the voice in the room that calls out what is most important to you, your family and your future.

Greg Hunt is a forward thinking strategic planner, executive leader and business owner who has been involved with government and non-profit communities for over 20 years. He is an MEA member, both as a business owner and private resident. After retiring from military service, Greg spent 10 years in Washington State serving in a variety of board positions. During that same period, he was a full time Music Minister. In 2013, Hunt permanently relocated to Glacier View, Alaska to be near his extended Alaskan family where he currently resides with his wife, Kim, their two children and families, plus five grandchildren.

Personal Highlights

• RetiredU.S. Navy Veteran. Served 20 years as a Chief ElectronicsTechnician/Inspector specializing in satellite communications, radar, television, navigation and computer control systems. Deep knowledge of power/electrical systems and electronic theory. ‍
• Engaged Community Member. Member of American Legion Jack HenryPost 1 since 2013. Lifetime member of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.
• Lifelong Learner. Graduate of 86 technical schools. Undergraduate degree in General Studies (Marketing/Business) City University, Seattle, WA. GraduateDegree in Education from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.
• Pastimes. Amateur Radio Operator (KL4ZB), avid fisherman and music producer/musician.‍

Professional Highlights ‍

• BusinessOwner. Founder and Principal at GH Management & Consulting. Services include Board Visioning & Development, Strategic & OperationalPlanning, Leadership Development, Project Administration, Contracts/Proposals,Organizational Development and Office Administration.
• CFO/COO/CEO/CTIO Experience. Founder of private consulting service.CFO/COO of multi-million dollar retail operation in Alaska. CEO/ED of leadership foundation. CTIO (Contract) for Native Alaskan Non-ProfitOrganization.
• Board Experience. Since 2002, served on many government and non-profit boards. Experience in board governance, strategic planning, process improvement, budgeting, communications and fundraising.

Candidate withdrew from the election after the election materials were printed and packaged. The candidate's name will appear on the printed ballot and a "withdrew" note will be listed on the online ballot.

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Candidate withdrew from the election after the election materials were printed and packaged. The candidate's name will appear on the printed ballot and a "withdrew" note will be listed on the online ballot.

Click here to watch Candidate Ted Leonard's Video
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I believe an essential keystone to the health of any community is to have safe, reliable power at the lowest cost possible. Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) has been one of the most successful Electric utilities in providing this type of power while navigating all the challenges of our time. I believe that my skills and experience would be valuable to the Board in moving forward to meet MEA’s priorities for our growing community.

I have firsthand knowledge of how important MEA is to the Mat-Su Borough and their stewardship to every co-op member. While on the assembly, the citizens of the Williwaw neighborhood, located in the Wasilla area, came to me to see if MEA could assist with their dark streets where children were afraid to stand at their neighborhood bus stops. When the issue was brought to MEA management, MEA stepped in quickly and put in lights at all the bus stops. MEA’s prompt response and increased visibility helped immensely in this crime ridden neighborhood. This was the first step of many to help this area become a safe and thriving neighborhood.

MEA is the type of organization, and board, that I would be proud to serve on.

I am a long-time valley resident; my wife Colleen and I have raised our children here and have been involved in the community for many years. Our goal is to continue to help our community be a great place to raise a family and enjoy all the valley has to offer.

I have served on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly representing the Greater Wasilla Area. During my time on the Assembly, we were able to keep the Borough’s tax rate flat and to stabilize funding for the Mat-Su School District.

After retiring from the State of Alaska, I began working for non-profit organizations serving communities in Alaska. I am currently employed as the Finance Director for CCS Early Learning, an organization which provides early childhood educational programs and family services to preschool children in the Mat-Su Borough.

During my tenure at the State of Alaska, I served as the executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), a billion-dollar finance development corporation, for seven years. This position allowed me to assist the State in promoting economic development and job growth through providing various means of financing and investment in infrastructure, economic development projects, and energy projects, that provided jobs for Alaskans across the State. I also served as a Board member for the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank which provided financing for projects in communities across the State of Alaska.

I have served in other financial capacities for state and local governments, such as deputy commissioner for Commerce for the State of Alaska in charge of licensing, regulatory and consumer protection divisions, director of Finance and Administrative Services for the City of Wasilla and in various finance positions for school districts across the state. I have also worked in the private sector as a Chief Financial Officer for a pharmacy and home health care corporation. I also am a small business owner providing accounting and financial services.

Click here to watch Candidate Dan Tucker's Video

In 1977, I bought land and built the home I live in today in Wasilla and became an MEA member. I’ve monitored MEA’s operations and activities since then.

About 16 years ago, the MEA Board changed. The Board became proactive and put the members interest before politics. And it has ever since.

The MEA Board has promoted strides ahead in all areas: membership representation, becoming much more stable in operation, operating much more safely, and holding costs down. The Board recognized the need for and achieved the Eklutna power plant, the Railbelt Energy cooperative, improved line clearing, and better, safer equipment.  The Board has completely changed the way MEA works over the past 12-to-17 years and it shows.

I know how we got here. I’m proud to have been part of it with over 15 years participation on multiple committees’; involvement with proposals for, and significant changes in Bylaws; Board-member interaction; and overall, Valley-wide contributions.

I want to see it continue; I don’t want us to lose what we’ve gained - MEA is now the leading Coop in the entire state. I want to help continue our leadership into our future. Please vote for Dan Tucker for the MEA Board.

I have always felt that a person’s character is formed by their experiences. I believe it is possible that few have been as lucky and experienced as me.

I grew up in an Ozzie and Harriet world, with parents who knew how to do things the right way. As a result, I had their support to experience many things – and didn’t miss many opportunities. I was born and lived my first 18 years in Western Massachusetts.

Then I grew wings, went into the Air Force, and grew some more. I spent 10 months at March Air Force Base, Riverside, California in 1968/69. I learned I didn’t want to live in that kind of place. I came to Alaska, arriving October 19, 1969. I still remember looking out the window while on final approach into Anchorage and saying to myself – “I’ve found my new home.”

My adoption and integration into the lifestyle of Alaska was fast, furious, and complete. I worked at the Elmendorf Fire Department, and the (City of) Anchorage Fire Department, then the Greater Anchorage Area Borough Fire Department - concurrently. I eventually left the Air Force and hired on full-time with the AFD in 1973. I retired from AFD, as a battalion chief, in 2002 after 29 years.

Concurrently, I’ve owned at least seven businesses ranging from sales, to construction, to excavating, to consulting. As a team player and active leader, and with my work and enthusiastic involvement, I’ve helped Alaska and the Valley grow. And I have great desire to continue working towards better.

In 1977, I built my home in Wasilla; I also became a MEA owner/member. Since then, I spent more than 15 years actively involved on the MEA Bylaws and Election Committees and was instrumental in the overhaul of the election/voting process about 10 years ago.  Then was intimately involved with the complete rewrite and adoption of the revised bylaws; four years in-committee and two years on the Board.

I earned the respect of the board of directors when I applied for and was appointed to the director seat vacated by Director Janet Kincaid. I’ve held that seat for two years now and progressed aggressively in the learning curve and courses for advanced director training. I’ve achieved Director Gold, the top credential, which is often not achieved until after many years on the board.

Tomorrow’s challenges are what I’m planning towards today.