Golden Valley Electric Association Promotes Million to CEO

Since last September, Million had been working as GVEA’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, he was CEO at Copper Valley, an electric utility disconnected from the Railbelt grid that serves roughly 2,700 customers (covering 8,000 people) from Valdez to Glennallen. Million says his goal as CEO is to hold down prices for GVEA member-customers while navigating the transition to more sustainable ways of generating and transmitting electricity.

GVEA board chair Tom DeLong says, “With over a dozen years of experience in the electric utility industry, knowledge of the Railbelt electric system, and a proven record of leadership as CEO of Copper Valley Electric Association prior to coming to GVEA, Travis is exceptionally qualified and well-prepared to lead GVEA going forward.”

The GVEA board also expressed thanks to Burns for his years of service. “We are grateful for John’s leadership and unwavering commitment to our members, employees, and the communities GVEA serves,” DeLong says. “The board is also appreciative of the fact that several months ago John shared with us his intention to retire in June and, as a result, the board and John had the opportunity to pursue a deliberative succession planning process.”

Since 2016, Burns has guided GVEA through significant achievements and challenges; first as General Counsel and as CEO for the last four years.

“I am incredibly appreciative of my time with GVEA and immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to serve GVEA, its members and employees,” Burns says. “And while I have thoroughly enjoyed every facet of my job as CEO, what I have most enjoyed and been most impressed by, is the dedication, passion, and hard work of GVEA’s employees. They are committed to serving the best interests of GVEA’s members and are the reason for GVEA’s success. I am extremely proud to have been part of this great organization.”