IT Leader Empowers Connection in the Co-op World 

Welcome to The People Behind the Power™, where we showcase the extraordinary work Tri-State employees are doing to keep the lights on for nearly 1 million energy consumers in the rural West. This series pulls back the curtain to share the real stories of the individuals whose dedication powers our communities. Because when you meet the people behind the power, you see the heart, talent, and perseverance that goes into every flip of a switch.    

Can you tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day work looks like? 

In my role, I typically manage around four concurrent Information and Technology (IT) projects. A large part of my day is spent coordinating efforts between internal Tri-State teams and external partners to ensure we’re aligned and progressing toward our project goals.  

I also serve as the administrator for Workfront, our project management platform. I’ve collaborated with various departments to implement their workflows in Workfront, helping them streamline processes and improve how they manage their work.  

Why is your job important? 

My role is essential to ensuring our projects are executed successfully—on time, within budget, and aligned with scope. By delivering the right solutions at the best possible cost, we help maximize the value Tri-State provides to its members. It’s about making sure every investment in technology and resources translates into meaningful benefits for the people we serve. 

How does your role support our members and their communities? 

As a project manager, I work with my teams to make sure we are bringing in the right solutions to support our business goals. Whether it's implementing a system to manage Safety Data Sheets or deploying tools to support long-term forecasting, my role ensures we’re enabling Tri-State to provide reliable, affordable, and responsible power to our members and their communities. 

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud to be part of Tri-State? 

I'm most proud of how actively Tri-State supports both its employees and the communities we serve. From participating in Adopt-a-Street cleanups and donating school supplies to member territories to providing aid during wildfires, Tri-State consistently creates opportunities for employees to get involved and make a meaningful impact. It’s a reflection of our values — we care deeply about the areas where we live and work. 

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about the team or culture at Tri-State? 

Tri-State is made up of a dedicated group of employees who are genuinely passionate about doing what’s right for our members. In my work across various teams and projects, I consistently see people considering how their decisions will impact our members and the person at the end of the line.  

How does your role as an IT Project Manager differ in a cooperative compared to other industries? 

Previously, I have always worked in profit-driven industries where project success was measured mostly by its impact on the bottom line. Since coming to Tri-State, that focus has shifted. Now it’s about making smart technical and financial decisions that truly support our members. I work closely with stakeholders to make sure the solutions we deliver not only meet operational needs but also reflect our cooperative values and commitment to serving our communities. 

Can you share a recent software implementation project that had a meaningful impact on our cooperative members? 

I’m currently leading the implementation of our Advanced Pattern Recognition software to help improve Generation Performance Monitoring. This application continuously monitors plant and equipment conditions to detect anomalies. These alerts enable Tri-State to take a more proactive approach to maintenance, helping reduce the risk of equipment failure. 

For our members, this translates to lower costs associated with repairs or replacements and contributes to a more reliable overall energy system. 

What does working for a cooperative mean to you personally? 

Working for a cooperative means being part of something bigger than myself. It gives me a strong sense of purpose, knowing that the work we do directly supports our members and their communities.  

I value the tight-knit, collaborative teams at Tri-State, where everyone brings their strengths to the table and works together toward shared goals. There’s a real sense of ownership in our culture — every decision is made with care, and every success is shared. It’s empowering to be part of an organization where people genuinely care about doing the right thing.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in IT, especially in the utility sector? 

Information and Technology covers a lot of ground — cybersecurity, project management, app development, infrastructure, and more. There’s something for everyone, so I always recommend exploring different areas to find what excites you. Plus, things move fast in tech. Staying curious and open to learning new tools, technologies, and ways of thinking is key to keeping up and growing in your career. 

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From relationship managers to cybersecurity engineers to substation technicians, the people needed to power our cooperative are as unique as the territories our members serve. If you are interested in applying your skills to improve the lives and livelihoods of our members, check out our open positions here.