Tom Walch initially thought he was retiring from Grand Valley Power and work in general on Jan. 2. Then, the Colorado Rural Electric Association came knocking, and retirement will wait.

That still left an opening for chief executive officer at Grand Valley Power, and after a nationwide search for Walch’s successor, the electric cooperative stayed close to home in choosing Chrystal Dean to assume the role.

Grand Valley Power made the announcement in a Dec. 1 news release.

New CEO brings experience, knows the area

Dean, who grew up in Montrose and attended the University of Wyoming, brings almost two decades of electric-utility-leadership experience to Grand Valley Power. Most recently she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), based in Lakewood, Colo. The federal agency markets and delivers wholesale hydropower from 57 hydroelectric dams.

“Chrystal is an ideal fit for the cooperative’s needs,” GVP Board President Brian Woods said. “Her focus on serving the community and continuing to ensure GVP delivers safe, affordable and reliable power stood out during our interviews.”

Dean will lead Grand Valley Power’s team of 46 employees, guiding the cooperative’s strategic direction through an era of innovation and change in the electric industry.

“I am honored to have been selected for this role,” Dean said, “and to have the opportunity to work alongside the board and lead such a capable and dedicated team at Grand Valley Power.”

The cooperative serves nearly 17,000 households and businesses across Mesa, Garfield and Delta counties.

Dean will begin her new role after the holidays on Jan. 2, which is Walch’s last day at GVP after 14 years at the cooperative.

Old CEO trades retirement for new challenge

Walch joins the Colorado Rural Electric Association on Jan. 5 and will oversee the statewide support of critical electric cooperative functions, from safety support and regulatory analysis to educational activities and legislative advocacy.

At the association’s headquarters in Lakewood, Walch will advocate for members of Colorado electric cooperatives across the state.

Walch said he is grateful for his time at Grand Valley Power. He joined the rural Mesa County electric provider in 2012 after stints practicing law and serving in leadership roles within the cooperative industry in Texas.

Under Walch’s leadership, Grand Valley Power improved its financial position, expanded its youth programs, elevated its communications and strengthened its safety culture, the news release said. The cooperative is nearing seven consecutive years without a lost-time accident, an achievement Walch credits to the dedication of operations crews and the emphasis Grand Valley Power places on working safely every day.

Walch also championed the growth of the cooperative’s scholarship program and supported a communications team that has consistently earned state and national recognition.

A defining milestone of Walch’s tenure, according to the news release, was the cooperative’s decision to secure a new wholesale power contract that will take effect in 2028. Grand Valley Power negotiated an agreement with Guzman Energy that offers long-term cost stability for members. The decision was made possible, in part, because of contract provisions Walch put in place shortly after his arrival, provisions that preserved the cooperative’s flexibility.

“Tom has always kept the long-term interests of our members at the center of every decision,” Woods said. “His leadership has positioned Grand Valley Power for a strong future, and we are grateful for his steady guidance over the last 14 years.”