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A New Era of Leadership
Inside the rise of GCSECA’s
next CEO, Jorge Canaca
As Arizona’s energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation—from shifting regulatory demands to evolving rural infrastructure needs—Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association is preparing for its own moment of transition.
This spring marks the end of an era as longtime CEO Dave Lock retires, opening the door for a new leader with deep roots in federal policy and a passion for rural communities. That leader is Jorge Canaca, who officially assumed the role of CEO on April 16. For many across the cooperative community, the announcement feels less like a surprise and more like a natural progression in a career built on strategic advocacy and unwavering commitment.
ABOVE: Jorge Canaca, Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association’s new CEO, left, visits with predecessor Dave Lock at GCSECA’s Winter Meeting. PHOTO COURTESY OF GCSECA
OPPOSITE FROM TOP: Jorge speaks to GCSECA members. Jorge steps up to the mic to speak to members at GCSECA’s Winter Meeting. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEFANIE SPENCER PHOTOGRAPHY
A Decade of Advocacy Shapes a New Vision
For the past 10 years, Jorge has served as GCSECA’s director of federal government relations and regulatory services—an essential role during a decade defined by regulatory shifts, federal funding opportunities, and complex national debates over energy reliability and affordability. During that time, he has become one of the most respected voices championing Arizona’s not-for-profit, rural electric cooperatives in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
“I am deeply honored and humbled the GCSECA Board has selected me as GCSECA’s next CEO,” Jorge says. “I’m excited to lead our team of talented professionals to champion the interests of our rural member-owners and amplify their collective voice. I look forward to collaboratively partnering with our board, policymakers, regulators, public power community, and stakeholders to navigate future challenges and leverage opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.”
Before joining GCSECA, Jorge spent more than a decade with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, in various positions that sharpened his understanding of legislative and regulatory issues and processes at all levels of government. This knowledge would later prove invaluable as he navigated federal legislation affecting Arizona’s cooperatives.
Today, Jorge is widely recognized for his ability to translate complex policy into strategic pathways forward.
A Leader Passes the Torch
Dave, who has served in the position for seven years, speaks with genuine warmth about his successor.
“I know Jorge will do a great job for our members and leading our outstanding team,” he says. “Jorge’s experience and deep passion for Arizona’s rural electric co-ops and their issues makes him an ideal person to take on this role.”
Dave’s tenure has been marked by steady leadership through industry change, and his confidence in Jorge underscores the continuity of commitment at the heart of GCSECA’s mission
Broad Support From Cooperative Leaders
The GCSECA Board of Directors shares that optimism. Jason Bowling, board president and CEO of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, highlights Jorge’s track record and the trust he has earned across the state.
“Jorge has been a valued part of the GCSECA team for many years,” Jason says. “His experience, leadership and commitment to our members made him a strong choice for this role.”
With that endorsement, the transition represents not just a change in leadership but a forward-looking investment in the next chapter of advocacy, collaboration and service.
Looking Ahead
As GCSECA prepares for the future—shaped by new technologies, evolving rural needs and an increasingly complex regulatory environment—Jorge steps in as CEO with experience, vision, and the trust and confidence of those who have worked alongside him.
As Arizona’s electric cooperatives continue to serve the communities that power the state, this leadership shift signals more than a new name on the door. It marks the beginning of the association’s next era—rooted in the same values that have sustained it for decades and energized by a leader ready to guide it through tomorrow’s challenges.