Mark Crisson, president and chief executive officer of the American Public Power Association, plans to retire from the group on April 1, 2014.
“I have been associated with public power for 35 years,” Crisson told the APPA board of directors in a letter. “It has been an honor and a privilege to conclude my career as the head of its national organization.”
“We have accomplished much in the past five years,” he added. “I am confident that the APPA team will continue to strengthen the organization and improve the quality of service to our members.”
APPA, based here, represents more than 2,000 public power electric utilities that serve more than 47 million Americans.
The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has been in existence since 1940.
Crisson took over leadership of the group in late 2007, replacing Alan Richardson.
Most recently the association adopted a resolution opposing all taxation of municipal bonds, including subsidized direct-pay bonds and traditional tax credit bonds.
The group also issued a report showing that any form of muni bond taxation would drive borrowing costs higher for both large and small issuers.
“We are grateful for the strong leadership Mark has provided during his term as CEO and thank him for his willingness to serve one more year to facilitate a smooth transition and provide us the time we need to search for and secure a new CEO for the association,” said Phyllis Currie, chair of the APPA board and general manager of Pasadena Water & Power. Currie is also a former board member of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
Prior to joining APPA’s staff, Crisson spent almost 30 years serving as CEO and director of utilities for Tacoma, Wash. Public Utilities.
