Kennebunk Light & Power District Appoints New General Manager

At a special meeting of the Kennebunk (Maine) Light & Power District’s (KLPD’s) Board of Trustees on Dec. 26, 2014, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Todd J. Shea to serve as its new General Manager. Shea replaces Sharon Staz, who is retiring from the position after more than 15 years of service. Mr. Shea, who is currently serving as the Town Manager in Arundel, Maine, took the reins at KLPD on February 2, 2015. He will have the benefit of Ms. Staz’s assistance during a transition period. Noting that the District received over 40 applications for the position, Mr. Shea thanked the Board for their vote of confidence. "I am extremely honored and proud to be selected from so many applicants. I am committed to transparency and public service, and look forward to the opportunity," he said. The KLPD is well known in the region for its exceptional service to much of Kennebunk and parts of surrounding towns where KLPD distributes electrical power.

The President of the Board, Jay Kilbourn, thanked Ms. Staz for her many years of exemplary service and steadfast commitment to the public interest. He observed that "Now Mr. Shea will have the opportunity to guide the District through a period of rapid change in the energy industry. In the next year the District will determine the fate of its three hydro-power dams and the best approach to manage electricity costs and sourcing of renewable power." The KLPD will also develop a comprehensive strategic plan.   

Mr. Shea is a career public administrator who served as the City Manager of Hallowell, Maine (2008-2011) and then Town Manager in Arundel, Maine, prior to accepting this post. Graduating summa cum laude in 1996 from the University of New England with a bachelor's of science in Business Management, Mr. Shea also completed courses in Marine Engineering at the Maine Maritime Academy, including hands on experience with power generation. Prior to moving into public service, Shea had 10 years business experience, including nine years of business and project management in the building industry.

Mr. Shea announced to the Trustees his commitment to utilize his financial management skills and public policy network to benefit the District. He promised to work with the Board and District to ensure that the goals, objectives, and policies of the District are carried forth responsibly and efficiently. "I will do my best to be a steward of the history of the district while simultaneously looking ahead to the future."