MEA Promotes Manager to Chief Financial Officer
Photo Credit: Matanuska Electric Association
Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) gains a new CFO with the new year. Kim Henkel is being promoted from senior management to the Palmer-based power utility’s executive team.
Since joining MEA in 2018, Henkel has held several key leadership positions, including Senior Manager of Finance and Commercial, Senior Manager of Strategic Implementation, and Energy Supply Manager—where she led multimillion-dollar fuel and energy procurement programs, advanced data-driven financial planning, and oversaw cross-functional teams that strengthened organizational efficiency and long-term stability.
Prior to MEA, Henkel worked with ENSTAR Natural Gas Company and First National Bank Alaska, where she gained extensive experience in gas supply, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and financial analysis.
Current Issue
November 2025
MEA CEO Tony Izzo states “Kim has demonstrated exceptional leadership and insight throughout her years at MEA. Her strong financial acumen, strategic mindset, and deep understanding of Alaska’s evolving energy landscape make her the right person to guide MEA’s financial strategy into the future.”
Henkel earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from UAA and holds an MBA with a concentration in business intelligence and data analytics. She is a certified public accountant and a graduate of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s management internship program.
“I’m honored to be selected as MEA’s next Chief Financial Officer and look forward to continuing the financial excellence established during my predecessor’s tenure,” says Henkel. “The next five to ten years will be pivotal in defining Alaska’s energy future, and I believe thoughtful, purpose-driven leadership supported by data will be essential as we make strategic investments to meet our members’ growing needs.”
Henkel succeeds Matt Reisterer, who is stepping down as CFO in January after twenty-six years with the co-op, transitioning to a new part-time role as Senior Advisor to the CEO.
GM, Director of Experience Hired for The Wildbirch Hotel
The renovated former Holiday Inn, rechristened The Wildbirch Hotel this summer, brings aboard Peter Faas as General Manager and Susynn Snyder as Director of Experience.
Leadership Promotions and Additions at Mt. McKinley Bank
Mt. McKinley Bank promoted Kristie Dickerson, Lisa Smeltzer, and Evan Wilken, and veteran employee Annie Scott returns to bank leadership after stepping away to run a Montessori school.
Interim Boss Announced at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
The nonprofit that operates the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts selected Kathy Cronen as Interim President and COO upon the departure of Codie Costello.
