We are led by consumers like you
Grand Valley Power's nine board members, elected at-large, serve three-year, staggered terms. Grand Valley Power's members elect three board members by mail-in ballots or in-person at the Annual Meeting held each summer. If three or fewer members seek election, then Grand Valley Power will forgo the mail ballots and the election of the Directors will take place during the annual meeting.
Each Grand Valley Power member has the right to vote for up to three directors to be elected. Members have only one ballot per election, regardless of the number of accounts with Grand Valley Power. The account holder or spouse, but not both, is eligible to vote. All election and voting issues are overseen by an independent election supervisory committee.
Unlike governmental elections, not all registered voters in the household can vote in the Grand Valley Power elections. Members who are unclear of their membership or account status are urged to call Grand Valley Power's Member Services department at 970-242-0040 for verification.
Running for the Board of Directors
To be eligible to become or remain a director, a person must be a Grand Valley Power member and receive electric service from Grand Valley Power at the member's primary residence. A director cannot be engaged in a competing enterprise or in other businesses involving a conflict of interest. Grand Valley Power's Bylaws provide in-depth information on director qualifications, terms, elections, meetings and officers.
To be a qualified nominee for the Board, all candidates, including non-incumbents, must agree to abide by the cooperative's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Policies, including Policy Bulletin No. 50 - Voting and Elections.
Policy Bulletin No. 50 - Voting and Elections
Attachment A to Policy Bulletin No. 50 - Cooperative Election Disclosure Requirements
Ballot Mailing Deadline
If a contested election is held, mail ballots will be delivered in July. Members should deposit ballots with the USPS so they are received prior to the close of business on the day of the Annual Meeting. Ballots may also be deposited in the secure ballot box located at GVP's Headquarters (845 22 Road) by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the Annual Meeting, or at the Annual Meeting. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.
The 2025 Grand Valley Power Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Meyer Ballroom on the CMU campus. The Annual Report and additional information will be mailed to all members in July.
Nominating Petitions for Director
Nominating petitions for Director on the Grand Valley Power Board of Directors are available to be picked up in the spring. The nomination deadline for 2025 has passed.
Meet Your 2025 Candidates
Meet Kyle!
Kyle Coltrinari
Fruita
GVP member 19 years
kylecoltrinari@hotmail.com
Candidate Q&A
1. Why are you running for the GVP Board of Directors?
I’m running for re-election because I care about this community and believe in the value of serving where we live. Being part of the Grand Valley Power Board has been an honor, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to support the members of our cooperative. During my first term, I’ve learned a great deal about the cooperative business model and the behind-the-scenes complexity of delivering reliable, affordable electricity. It’s given me a real appreciation for the systems and people that make it all work and just how critical that work is to the daily lives of our members. I currently serve as Secretary/Treasurer, and in that role, I’ve worked closely with fellow board members and staff to make thoughtful, forward-looking decisions. Whether it’s managing rising costs, investing in infrastructure, or planning for future energy needs, we stay focused on doing what’s right for our members, both now and in the long term. GVP is in a strong position, but we know the energy landscape continues to change. I’d like to continue being part of that conversation and helping make sure GVP remains resilient, responsive, and rooted in the community.
2. What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
If re-elected, I want to build on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained during my first term to help GVP navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. I’ve developed a deep understanding of how the cooperative model works and what it takes to deliver consistent and reliable service. My goal is to use that insight to support informed decisions that add real value for our members. One thing I’ve learned over the past three years is that there is no one size fits all solution to the issues GVP faces. Good decisions require an open mind and a willingness to listen, especially to the extremely qualified and dedicated staff we have at GVP. Their expertise is critical to our success. My top priority is making sure GVP continues to provide reliable and affordable electricity. I also want to ensure we stay grounded in what makes GVP special, which is our connection to the community and the cooperative principles that guide us. Most of all, I want to help lead with integrity, accountability and a strong commitment to our members.
3. What do you see as the cooperative’s biggest challenge over the next three years?
There are a few key challenges I believe GVP will face in the coming years, each requiring thoughtful leadership and a forward-thinking mindset. First is the transition to a new wholesale power provider. In 2028, GVP will move from Xcel Energy to Guzman Energy. While this change offers long-term benefits for our members, it also involves complex planning and careful coordination to ensure a seamless transition. This process will take focused attention to detail, strong partnerships, and an open mind to future-focused solutions. Second, our long-serving CEO, Tom Walch, will be retiring. Tom has led GVP with courage, humility, and a deep commitment to culture and service. While I’m confident he’ll leave the organization in a strong position, his leadership will be missed, and finding the right person to step into that role is critical to maintaining our momentum. Lastly, GVP must stay focused on infrastructure resilience particularly in the face of growing wildfire risk and the impacts of beneficial electrification. Even with a strong wildfire mitigation plan, a single event can have catastrophic effects on a cooperative. At the same time, as more members transition to electric-powered technologies, we’ll need to ensure our systems are ready to support that growth. These challenges are real, but with solid planning I believe GVP is well positioned to meet them.
4. What makes you the best candidate to serve the members of Grand Valley Power?
As a current member of the Grand Valley Power Board and its Secretary/Treasurer, I bring firsthand experience and a strong understanding of the cooperative business model. Over the past three years, I’ve worked closely with fellow board members and staff to make informed decisions that prioritize reliability, affordability, and service to our members.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges GVP faces. Good governance requires an open mind, a willingness to listen, and respect for the deep knowledge and expertise of our staff. That mindset has guided my work and will continue to shape how I approach every decision.
Looking ahead, GVP is entering a pivotal time. The transition to Guzman Energy in 2028, leadership succession planning, and growing infrastructure demands will all require steady leadership and attention to detail. I’ve been actively engaged in these discussions and am committed to ensuring a smooth path forward.
I care deeply about this community, and I believe in leading with humility, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and am confident in GVP’s direction. If re-elected, I will continue working hard to represent our members’ interests and help ensure that GVP remains reliable, resilient, and locally focused for years to come.
Financial Disclosures
Meet Gary!
Gary De Young
Grand Junction
GVP member 14 years
Gary.for.GVP@gmail.com
Candidate Q&A
1. Why are you running for the GVP Board of Directors?
I’m running for reelection to the GVP Board of directors because I want to bring more fairness, transparency, and member-focused decision-making to how GVP operates. I believe billing should be fair and tailored to individual needs rather than follow a one-size-fits-all model. The current rate structure is unfair—particularly for our members who use electricity during peak hours, like those with daytime jobs. I believe billing should reflect the actual difference in power costs between peak and off-peak times.
Right now, only a relatively small percentage (13%) of members vote in board elections. Far fewer provide feedback to the board. I want to help change that by making participation easier and more accessible.
With my technical background in data and community analytics, I believe I can help GVP make better, more accountable, data-driven decisions.
In short, I’m running to give GVP members more voice, more choice, and fairer prices—backed by data and local solutions.
2. What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
If I’m reelected to the GVP Board of directors, I hope to accomplish four main things: make our rates fairer and more transparent, expand member choice and participation, return savings generated from the future wholesale provider change back to member, and ensure GVP decisions are based on solid data.
I will work toward fixing the current rate structure, which I believe overcharges people when they use power during peak hours. Rates should more accurately reflect the real cost differences between peak and off-peak usage.
I would like to give members more options in how they're billed, like choosing between flat-rate or time-of-use billing.
I bring a background in data analysis, and I want to use that to help GVP make smarter, data-driven decisions that benefit all members—whether it’s evaluating rate changes, planning for growth, or expanding local renewable energy.
Ultimately, I want to make GVP more fair, more responsive, and more focused on its members.
More information on my positions and what I hope to accomplish if reelected can be found by googling “Vote Gary De Young for GVP Board”
3. What do you see as the cooperative’s biggest challenge over the next three years?
Over the next three years, I believe Grand Valley Power’s biggest challenge will be managing multiple major changes while staying focused on serving members fairly and reliably.
One key challenge is working out the details of our switch to a new wholesale power provider. This change has a large potential to provide lower and stable costs, but only if we manage the transition carefully and make smart decisions about rate structures and contracts.
At the same time, GVP will be integrating a new CEO. That’s a big leadership shift, and the organization will need to adapt while keeping strong communication between the board, staff, and members. Getting that relationship right is crucial for long-term success.
Another challenge is navigating issues around net metering. We need to find solutions that support local energy production, like rooftop solar, without creating financial imbalances. We can’t afford to discourage member-driven energy solutions, but we also need fair, sustainable policies.
Legislation is another concern. New laws can place costly or confusing burdens on cooperatives, often with unintended consequences. We need to stay engaged and advocate for the needs of local co-ops like ours.
Finally, like many organizations, we need to maintain a high-quality workforce. That means supporting staff at all levels and ensuring GVP continues to be a place where skilled professionals want to work.
Together, these challenges will require thoughtful leadership, open communication, and data-driven decision-making.
4. What makes you the best candidate to serve the members of Grand Valley Power?
This question is inherently comparative and GVP members will have to ultimately decide who to vote for. By the time this is posted on GVP’s website I will have knocked on many doors and talked to over 500 members, communicating my positions and listening to what the members have to say.
As I review the candidate slate and their responses to the previous three questions, which were provided to everyone before answering this question. I find the following strengths of each candidate. I’m sure they would add other strengths. This is my summary.
Shideler: Long-time member who is focused on service quality and efficiency with a general GVP community focus.
Golike: Has an economic/manufacturing background and is focused on innovation and financial health he is professional and strategic.
Coltrinari: Is an Incumbent whose focus is on stability and infrastructure resilience. He is thoughtful and grounded in his experiences.
De Young: Is an incumbent with a technical background in data. Whose focus is on fair pricing, member participation and transparency. He is reform-minded and member-focused.
Please review each candidates' responses and vote for the candidates you feel should be elected to the board. I would be honored to receive your vote.
Financial Disclosures
Meet Andrew!
Andrew Golike
Fruita
GVP member 35 years
angolike@msn.com
Candidate Q&A
1. Why are you running for the GVP Board of Directors?
I am running for the GVP Board of Directors because I am deeply committed to our community and believe in the cooperative's mission to provide reliable and affordable electricity to rural areas that would be underserved by larger for-profit utilities. With my background in economic development and advanced manufacturing, I bring experience ensuring that the cooperative continues to thrive and serve its members effectively. My goal is to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, to strength Grand Valley Power in this crucial mission.
2. What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
If elected, I hope to accomplish several key objectives. First, I aim to enhance member services through more efficient and user-friendly processes. I want to ensure financial stability by being part of implementing strategic initiatives that will safeguard our cooperative's future. Lastly, I hope to foster innovation by encouraging new ideas and technologies that can improve our operations and benefit our members.
3. What do you see as the cooperative’s biggest challenge over the next three years?
The cooperative's biggest challenge over the next three years will likely be adapting to new technologies and regulatory changes. As the energy sector evolves, we must stay ahead of the curve to meet the needs of our members. Financial pressures and the shift in power supplier over the next few years will also raise significant challenges. The cooperative is in the process of searching for the next Chief Executive Officer. My experience as part of the board led search for a replacement for a long-term CEO at a major business organization uniquely prepares me to assist in that search.
4. What makes you the best candidate to serve the members of Grand Valley Power?
As a member of the Grand Valley Power board of directors, I will bring a diverse skill set to the cooperative, including:
Over three decades of Operational leadership with a major employer in advanced manufacturing.
Leadership roles with the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, CMU Tech, and the Business Incubator Center, broadening my experience in economic development.
In one of these roles, I was pivotal in replacing a retiring, long-serving CEO of a major business organization. This experience I bring is crucial as we search for the next CEO of Grand Valley Power.
I am a native of the Grand Valley and have lived in the rural areas serviced by the cooperative for most of my adult life. My family has been served by GVP since the early 1960s on the ranch where I still live. I have observed firsthand how important reliable power is for the more sparsely populated rural areas.
I am deeply committed to ensuring that the power GVP provides remains safe, reliable, and affordable for all members of Grand Valley Power.
Financial Disclosures
Meet Michael!
Michael A. Shideler
Fruita
GVP member 12 years
mshidele@gmail.com
Candidate Q&A
1. Why are you running for the GVP Board of Directors?
I'm running for the GVP Board of Directors to try to best represent the interests of it's members. As a Grand Valley Power member for the last 13 years, I've come to appreciate the unique challenges that face us here in Western Colorado. I feel like I can help make well informed future decisions that can have a positive impact moving forward.
2. What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
I hope to continue to enhance the quality of services provided by GVP while trying to keep costs rises to a minimum. I hope to work as a team, build on what has been done in past, and further increase efficiency during this transitional time at GVP.
3. What do you see as the cooperative’s biggest challenge over the next three years?
I feel like the biggest challenge in the coming years will be balancing the growth of non and renewable energy sources. We live in a fast changing community, state, and country. The need to adapt and overcome to changing political dynamics to accommodate the needs of all the GVP members will be important as well.
4. What makes you the best candidate to serve the members of Grand Valley Power?
I am the best candidate to serve the members of Grand Valley for the following reasons:
First, my dedication/history working with this community. I’ve worked with builders, subcontractors, farmers, ranchers, biologists, and business professionals in the past on building up and improving this community. I’d like to continue this service by working for the members of GVP and helping to ensure a brighter future for all of us.
Working in the construction sector for the last 18 years has given me a unique perspective on the growth rate and planned expansion of our community. With this past in mind, we must now work together to create a sustainable, fiscally sound, and productive cooperative.
Financial Disclosures
Election FAQ
Each Member of the cooperative shall be entitled to vote in the election of directors for the Board of Directors either at a meeting held for such purpose or by mail, but not both.
In the case of a Joint Membership, any one Joint Member may cast the vote for the Joint Membership. For the ballot of a Joint Membership, the ballot envelope will include the name of each Joint Member. Any one of the Joint Members may cast the ballot, and that Joint Member shall sign the return envelope.
Mail voting shall be in writing on ballots provided by the Cooperative. The mail ballot shall be voted by the member, and deposited in a return envelope which must be signed by the voting member, and mailed back to the Cooperative.
Envelopes containing mail ballots shall remain sealed and uncounted until the tabulation process is conducted by the independent third party and supervised by the Election Supervisory Committee.
Members can also submit their vote by placing their ballot in the ballot box located in the lobby of GVP's office located at 845 22 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81505, prior to the annual meeting. Members may also bring their ballot to the annual meeting and deposit the ballot in the ballot box at the annual meeting.
For more detailed information on the ballot and how to vote visit gvp.org/CastYourVote.
Mail ballots should be deposited with the USPS so they are received prior to the close of business on the day of the Annual Meeting. Members can also drop off completed ballots to GVP's Headquarters at 845 22 Road, GJ, CO 81505 by 4 p.m. on the day of the Annual Meeting.
Ballots may also be deposited prior to 6:30 p.m. on the day of the Annual Meeting, in the ballot box at the annual meeting.
Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.
Election results typically are announced the day after the Annual Meeting. The results will be posted on gvp.org and GVP social media platforms.
Each year, an election is held. If the number of people nominated for directors is less than or equal to the number of vacancies, the Board of Directors may determine to eliminate the mail ballot for that election and have the directors elected by the members present at the meeting of the members.
A quorum is to be met for electing directors and voting on other corporate business. This shall consist of the owners of one hundred (100) shares of the Cooperative present in person. If the owners of one hundred (100) shares are not present in person but mail voting for directors pursuant to Article V, Section 2 has occurred prior to such meeting, the election of directors shall occur so long as the number of valid mail votes plus shares voted in person totals at least one hundred (100) shares. If less than a quorum is present in person, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another date and time or direct the Board of Directors to select another date and time.
You can find the biography of each candidate on this election page once the Election Supervisory Committee verifies the signatures on the petitions. We will update accordingly and will notify our members when the information is available.