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.
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January 2026
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.
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We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!