Palmer, Alaska - More than 500 MEA members participated in the 2025 Annual Meeting, with over 300 attending in person and the remainder joining via Zoom. This year’s in-person attendance saw a slight increase over last year, reflecting strong engagement across our co-op community.

Before the business meeting, members had the opportunity to visit an Information Fair featuring community partners and MEA departments. At 3:00 p.m., the Annual Meeting officially began with important updates from MEA leadership. Board members shared financial highlights from the past year, and Board President Bill Kendig outlined key accomplishments from 2024 and the Board’s strategic priorities for the future.

MEA CEO Tony Izzo provided insight into the co-op’s ongoing efforts around natural gas supply, energy diversification, and collaborative efforts along the Railbelt. The meeting also recognized this year’s co-op scholarship recipients. A total of $35,000 was awarded to 10 outstanding students. Eva Newkirk, a student at Alaska Middle College School, received MEA’s top scholarship of $8,000.

The meeting concluded with preliminary election results and the announcement of member prize winners. One lucky member, Crystal Hillstead of Wasilla, was drawn as the winner of a year of free electricity (up to 10,000kWh), a prize awarded to one randomly selected voter in this year’s election.

2025 Board Election Results

This year’s Board Election saw a 13% voter turnout—the highest in recent years. Of the 7,688 total ballots received, 50% were cast online, 49% by mail, and 1% in person at the meeting.

• At-Large Seat: Incumbent Arthur Keyes, who ran unopposed after two challengers     withdrew, received 7,008 votes.
• Matanuska District Seat: Incumbent Mark Masteller was re-elected with 1,782     votes (64%) over challenger Thomas Bergey, who received 995 votes (36%).

Thank you to all who participated, voted, and supported your electric co-op’s democratic process.

Watch the recording of the 2025 Annual Meeting: