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Durango Today
By the People, for the People
La Plata Electric Association Names New Chief Operating Officer
Longtime employee Dan Harms promoted to key leadership role at Colorado cooperative
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), a Colorado-based electric cooperative, has promoted longtime employee Dan Harms to the position of chief operating officer. Harms previously served as LPEA's chief strategy officer and has been with the organization since 1990, gaining experience across nearly every aspect of the cooperative's operations.
Why it matters
Leadership transitions are common in organizations, and LPEA's appointment of Harms as COO represents an important shift in the cooperative's senior management. As a long-tenured employee, Harms brings deep institutional knowledge that will help ensure continuity as LPEA implements new power supply strategies and focuses on safety, reliability, and supporting its workforce.
The details
Harms was promoted to the COO role at the beginning of February 2026. In his new position, he will oversee LPEA's operational departments with a focus on safety, reliability, and execution of the cooperative's strategic priorities. Prior to becoming COO, Harms served as LPEA's chief strategy officer, where he oversaw power system planning, secured power supply contracts, led rate design, and prepared the cooperative for participation in the Southwest Power Pool regional transmission organization.
- Dan Harms was promoted to chief operating officer at the beginning of February 2026.
- Harms previously served as LPEA's chief strategy officer.
The players
Dan Harms
The new chief operating officer of La Plata Electric Association, having been promoted from his previous role as chief strategy officer. Harms has been with LPEA since 1990 and has gained experience across nearly every aspect of the cooperative's operations.
Chris Hansen
The CEO of La Plata Electric Association, who praised Harms' deep understanding of LPEA's operations, strong judgment, and collaborative approach in a statement about the leadership transition.
La Plata Electric Association
A Colorado-based electric cooperative that has named Dan Harms as its new chief operating officer, replacing the previous COO. The cooperative is also currently seeking to fill the position of chief financial officer.
What they’re saying
“I've had the privilege of working with Dan for just over a year, and he has shown deep understanding of LPEA's operations, strong judgment and a collaborative approach. His experience ensures continuity as we implement a new independent power supply strategy.”
— Chris Hansen, CEO, La Plata Electric Association (The Durango Herald)
What’s next
LPEA will continue to seek a permanent replacement for the chief financial officer position, which is currently being filled on an interim basis.
The takeaway
The promotion of Dan Harms to chief operating officer at La Plata Electric Association represents a smooth leadership transition that will leverage his deep institutional knowledge to help the cooperative navigate changes in its power supply strategy and focus on key priorities like safety, reliability, and supporting its workforce.
