The Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors voted to terminate the contract of CEO Bill Stewart at a special meeting Dec. 5.

He had been named Interim CEO by the board in September 2005, and selected by the board to head the organization in August 2006 following a nationwide CEO search.

Chugach Chair Elizabeth Vazquez said, "The board thanks Mr. Stewart for his contributions and years of service to Chugach.

"However," she continued, "it is necessary for Chugach to change direction, and for that we need different leadership."

The termination was effective immediately. Vazquez noted Stewart will be fully compensated under the terms of his contract.

The board appointed Brad Evans to serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Evans is Chugach's Senior Vice President of Power Supply and has more than 23 years of utility experience.

The board also appointed a subcommittee that may consider selection of a temporary chief executive officer. The subcommittee consists of Chair Elizabeth Vazquez, Vice Chair Uwe Kalenka and Director Rebecca Logan.

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for