Justin Talbot, who had been serving as interim manager of operations, has been named to the permanent position at La Plata Electric Association (LPEA). Talbot had previously served as manager of lines and services.
Talbot stepped in as interim manager this summer, filling the position vacated by Steve Gregg, who had announced his retirement.
Born and raised in Bayfield, Talbot joined LPEA as a groundman in 1994 following studies at CSU. Within a year he'd been accepted into LPEA's apprentice lineman program and "journeyed out" as a journeyman lineman in 1999.
Talbot rose to the supervisorial position of foreman in 2004, directly overseeing the line crews responsible for constructing and maintaining electric power transmission and distribution lines and facilities throughout LPEA's service territory. In December 2012 he was named as line superintendent, responsible for line maintenance and tree trimming crews. He was promoted to manager of lines and services in October 2013, overseeing LPEA's line crews and superintendents in both La Plata and Archuleta counties.
In his new position, Talbot steps into the overall management position, overseeing the 50-plus member operations team that ensures optimum maintenance of the system, construction and safety of personnel.
"I am excited for the opportunity and look forward to the challenges ahead," said Talbot, who will continue LPEA's tradition of pro-active care for the system, as well as respond to customer needs. "I will always keep the customers in my thoughts as I make decisions that affect our system, currently and in the future."Â
Talbot is active in the Bayfield community, having served for four years on the Bayfield Town Board. He also enjoys supporting local youth in their activities and spending time with his wife Becki and their three daughters, ages 16, 12 and 7.
"Justin is an example of how a career can be built at LPEA," said Mike Dreyspring, CEO of LPEA. "Hired initially as a groundman, he basically started on the bottom rung of the ladder and has learned all aspects of operations in his steady progression to the managerial position."
