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Democracy is our business model

One member from each of the electric utilities we serve makes up Tri-State's Board of Directors. Whether they serve 500 or 50,000 meters, each director has an equal vote when making business decisions and setting priorities. With the diversity in size, climate and geography of our membership, the we’re able to carve a strong path forward as we plan for the future.

Hub Thompson

Accountability and transparency

It’s our job to engage members, meet their needs and support their goals. We’ve opened monthly board meetings and our annual meeting to members, consumers and news media to increase input on our performance. Transparency helps shape Tri-State’s strategy for the future.

Our annual report

Tri-State’s leadership team

Duane Highley
Chief Executive Officer
Duane joined Tri-State in 2019 and has 39 years of experience with cooperatives. He previously served as President/CEO for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI). Duane serves as Co-Chair of the Electric Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC), coordinating security efforts between electric utilities and the U.S. Government.
Elda de la Peña
Chief Administrative Officer and CHRO
Elda has served in numerous human resources roles since joining Tri-State in 1997. As CAO/CHRO, she oversees a variety of service functions, including: human resources, people and culture, payroll, training, IT, cyber security, fleet, facilities and records. Elda has a master’s degree in Language and Interpersonal Communication, and is an SHRM Senior Certified Professional and an HRCI certified Senior Professional in Human Resources.
Bob Frankmore
Chief of Staff
Bob joined Tri-State in 2014, serving first as Vice President, Strategy before becoming Chief of Staff in June 2022. As Chief of Staff, Bob works closely with the CEO and oversees Government Relations and External Affairs, Communications, and Strategy. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President at Hill & Knowlton Strategies. Bob has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry and more than 25 years of experience in governmental relations, communications and public affairs. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Colorado State University.
Bryan Davis
Chief Financial Officer
Bryan joined Tri-State in September 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience with expertise in accounting, financial planning, and utility strategies across multi-state regions. Prior to joining Tri-State, Bryan led financial strategy for a utility operating company serving 1.6 million electric and 1.5 million natural gas customers and previously held roles of increasing responsibility in utility accounting across multiple regions. Bryan holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy degrees from Brigham Young University and is a certified public accountant.
Chris Pink
Senior Vice President of Operations
Chris joined Tri-State in 2008 and has served in numerous engineering and management roles, including Vice President of Engineering and Construction and Vice President of Transmission Engineering. As SVP of Operations, he oversees Tri-State’s mining, generation, and transmission operations and construction. Before Tri-State, he contributed to advancements in renewable energy integration at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and served as an electrical engineer in both cooperative and consulting capacities. He began his career in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear plant supervisor and instructor. He holds a master's degree in engineering systems and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.
Jay Sturhahn
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Jay joined Tri-State in October 2022. Prior to Tri-State, he was an equity member of Sherman & Howard, LLC in Denver, where he counseled and represented clients in matters involving corporate governance, internal investigations, contractual disputes, construction law and matters related to FERC and PUC regulation. He has more than 20 years of legal experience, and began his legal career as a clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. Jay has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University, and a Juris Doctor degree cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School. He is the incoming chair (2023-2025) of the Colorado Legal Aid Foundation.
Lisa Tiffin
Chief Commercial Officer
Lisa has served in numerous energy management roles since joining Tri-State in July 2004, including her previous role as Vice President of Planning and Analytics with responsibility for Tri-State’s resource planning process. With over 30 years of experience in the energy industry, she has also held roles in energy trading and operations, organized market implementation, and fuel supply and transportation and is currently engaged on key reliability and greenhouse gas initiatives within the industry. Lisa has held a NERC Balancing, Interchange and Transmission certification since 2007 and has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science.
 

Set of Western Watts podcast with host and guest

Cooperative leadership live from our 2025 annual meeting

From cutting-edge technology and legislative wins to community-driven wildfire strategies, hear how these innovators are reshaping the future of energy. Tune in for a dynamic blend of grassroots spirit and forward-thinking insight.

audio iconListen to the podcast

We are thrilled about the prospect of developing a sizable renewable project, one that promises to create a lasting legacy for our members. This endeavor is more than just a project; it’s a commitment to a future shaped by our collective vision and dedication to a brighter tomorrow.
Jeff Wadsworth
President and CEO, PVREA

Flexible power for the changing energy landscape

From cutting-edge technology and legislative wins to community-driven wildfire strategies, hear how these innovators are reshaping the future of energy. Tune in for a dynamic blend of grassroots spirit and forward-thinking insight.

Flexibility at Tri-State

Hero image: Forest that was destroyed by wildfire

The Fight Beyond the Fire: A Story of Cooperative Resilience

Wildfires leave lasting scars on rural communities—something our cooperatives know all too well. During the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, Tri-State member Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative (MSMEC) sprang into action, exemplifying how cooperatives become vital to emergency response and recovery. Their crews, many personally affected by the devastation, worked side by side to rebuild, protect, and restore. This story highlights not only the destruction wildfires bring, but the resilience of these communities and the unwavering commitment of lineworkers, contractors, and support teams who help them rise again.
Read more >
Hero image of a forest with the words: Boots on the ground, co-op leaders clear the way for a new school house

Boots on the Ground: Cooperative Leaders Clear the Way for a New Schoolhouse

Leadership teams from Tri-State G&T and Poudre Valley REA volunteered with local nonprofits, Combat Recovery Foundation and the Heart-J Center at Sylvan Dale Ranch, to clear thistles as part of a vegetation management project in Loveland, Colorado.
Read more >
Light blue and gold background of grid with text: Focused on Reliability

Q&A: Tri-State's Chris Pink Talks Dispatchable Generation, Transmission, and Growth

Chris Pink is our Senior Vice President of Operations at Tri-State. We sat down with him to discuss how we are achieving reliability, affordability, and responsibility while diversifying our energy portfolio and making strategic investments that benefit our members. The leadership vision continues to focus on empowering employees, prioritizing safety, planning for sustainability, and fostering a culture of respect and professional development to secure our cooperative's future.
Read more >

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Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2025 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
    • Members
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
    • Wildfire
  • Search