Description

Southwest Public Power Agency (SPPA) is looking for a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next General Manager. The General Manager will be a transparent leader who is skilled at managing a diverse set of stakeholders. Understanding of complex transmission and power supply situations is preferred. If you have a strategic, responsive, and open leadership style, this is a great opportunity to serve Public Power in the great state of Arizona. The General Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and reports directly to the SPPA Board of Directors. The board meets monthly and has a diverse membership throughout Arizona serving not-for-profit Public Power electric utilities.

This position assumes responsibility for the overall management, coordination, and execution of SPPA's mission, including power supply procurement and management, financial administration, and participant/member support services. The position is responsible for coordinating monthly Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, and the work product of external consultants and legal services.

SPPA operates with a small staff and receives professional services from KR Saline & Associates, an electrical engineering and utility consulting firm, along with external general legal counsel. For summer 27/28, SPPA membership has a total capacity requirement approaching 800 megawatts. The membership primarily operates through a power pool and has a mix of resources including federal hydropower, solar and battery energy storage, and a long-term PPA for 583 megawatts from the Mesquite Natural Gas Generating Station. SPPA has a natural gas hedging program, provides loads and resources analysis for its membership, transmission projects, and other special functions. SPPA also receives energy management services from Arizona Electric Power Cooperative/ACES. SPPA is a project-based entity and does not have an all-requirements contract. 

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to Mr. Brian Yerges, SPPA Board President at Brian.Yerges@ed-3.org by the initial deadline of DECEMBER 23, 2026. The position will remain open until filled or closed by the board of directors. Lean more about SPPA at https://www.sppa.biz After the submission deadline, candidates will be screened for qualifications. If you require additional information or have questions, please contact Mr. Brian Yerges at (520) 424-0420 or by e-mail at Brian.Yerges@ed-3.org. 

Requirements

Essential Qualifications: Demonstrated executive-level leadership experience with progressively increasing responsibility. Extensive knowledge of organizational management, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder operations. Strong communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills. Experience interacting with and reporting to a Board of Directors or similar governing body. Significant experience in the electric utility, public power, or energy sector.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of power markets, particularly within the Western Interconnection. Experience with power procurement and transmission operations. Familiarity with reliability standards and critical infrastructure protection requirements.

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, engineering, finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree (MBA or related advanced degree) preferred. Progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior executive-level roles. Experience spanning multiple segments of the electric industry, including generation, transmission, and resource procurement, is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements: Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods of time. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and view computer screens. Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and hearing.