GCSECA Announces Staff Changes

Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association Announces Staff Changes

TEMPE, AZ – Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association (GCSECA) announced two key staff changes on July 11, 2023.

Sylvia Cruz joins GCSECA in the newly created position, Member Engagement and Professional Development Specialist. In this role, Cruz will be responsible for the Association’s training, development and professional education programs, as well as serving as a key conduit between GCSECA and its Members.

“We’re excited to have Sylvia join our team,” Dave Lock, GCSECA Chief Executive Officer said. “Her background as an educator and her engaging and easygoing nature make her a perfect fit for our organization and the Arizona co-op family.”

Cruz has spent her career as a classroom teacher – engaging with students at the high school, middle school, elementary and preschool levels. She most recently taught English Language Arts in Gilbert Public Schools. She has served as a mentor teacher and has created on-line educational programs. Cruz, an Arizona native, holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University.

Hannah Capozzi has been promoted from her current position as Member and Public Relations Manager to Communications Director. Capozzi started with GCSECA as a part-time receptionist eight years ago and has worked her into increasingly higher roles in the organization. Capozzi, who holds a bachelor’s degree in health education and health promotion from Arizona State University, wears a variety of hats for GCSECA – too many, according to Lock.

“Hannah has graciously and admirably taken on the many things we’ve asked her to do, including managing our communications program, being responsible for member relations, education, training, the Washington Youth Tour – and even serving as our Benefits Administrator,” Lock said. “She’s been a shining star, but frankly it’s too much for one person to reasonably shoulder.

“The new position enables us to expand our training, education and professional development offerings to our Members, and to stand up new things our Members have asked for,” Lock continued. “Shifting some of some of Hannah’s responsibilities to Sylvia allows Hannah to focus on the key communications initiatives the Board has asked us to undertake – and enhance our existing communications programs. I know these two talented women will provide great things for our Members and organization.”

GCSECA is a not-for-profit association that represents Arizona’s rural electric cooperatives in state and federal legislative and regulatory matters and provides a number of services to its Members. GCSECA also serves about 20 Associate Members that are either co-ops headquartered in other states or consumer-owned utilities (such as electric districts and Tribal Utility Authorities).