Mark Hayden joined the utility industry 29 years ago and now serves as general manager of Missoula Electric Cooperative in western Montana. He was elected to the NWPPA Board of Trustees in May.
Before joining MEC, Hayden lived in Wisconsin, where he worked for Tracy & Thole CPAs and then Dunn Energy Cooperative. A certified public accountant, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
What are the current challenges at your utility?
As I write this response, MEC crews are working to recover from our second devastating storm in less than a month. The frequency and intensity of severe weather events, coupled with the ever-increasing threat of wildfire sparked by power lines, is a significant concern. Missoula is also a fast-growing community. Keeping pace with this growth while ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy supply will be critical in the coming years.
What do you see as the current challenges in the industry?
The industry is facing significant challenges. The first items that come to my mind include aging and inadequate infrastructure; energy-intensive industries driving a surge in demand; and policy and regulatory uncertainties that jeopardize the stability of our industry. Addressing these issues will require a coordinated effort that includes our industry, our government, and the members we serve.
How does NWPPA help your utility and the industry with these challenges?
A competent workforce is essential for achieving our goals and driving innovation at MEC. Over the years, we have relied upon NWPPA to meet the training needs of our staff and guide the strategic planning process for our board of trustees. In addition, NWPPA has played a critical role in advancing needed legislative and regulatory change, particularly around vegetation management and wildfire mitigation. Finally, NWPPA provides the opportunity to network with other industry professionals dealing with similar opportunities and challenges.
Any hobbies outside of the public power world?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Tiffany; my two daughters and their husbands; and our granddaughter. My hobbies include carpentry, hiking, and watching the Green Bay Packers!
