Curtis W. Thayer
Executive Director

Curtis W. Thayer is the executive director of the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), a public corporation of the state of Alaska governed by a board of directors with the mission to reduce the cost of energy in Alaska. AEA serves as the state’s energy office and lead agency for statewide energy policy and program development. Thayer is the longest‑serving executive director in AEA’s 50‑year history.

In his role, Thayer is responsible for the management and oversight of AEA‑owned energy assets valued at approximately $1.7 billion. He leads major statewide transmission and infrastructure initiatives, including the approximately $400 million expansion of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project. In parallel, he is guiding development of the $413 million Cook Inlet PowerLink, a high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea transmission project representing the first application of HVDC technology in Alaska. The project is designed to unlock constrained generation and strengthen system reliability by creating a redundant electrical intertie across Cook Inlet, providing resilience for essential loads, including military installations and future industrial customers. Thayer also oversees AEA’s broader portfolio of energy programs and capital projects—ranging from large‑scale infrastructure to rural power generation facilities and bulk fuel tank farms—working closely with the board of directors, the Governor’s office, Alaska’s congressional delegation, the Legislature, utilities, and other stakeholders to advance reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions across Alaska.

Previously, Thayer served as president and chief executive officer of the Alaska Chamber and held senior leadership roles in state government, including commissioner of the Department of Administration and deputy commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. His experience also includes work with Alaska’s Congressional Delegation, ENSTAR Natural Gas Company, and the Alaska Gas Producers Pipeline Team. He has served on numerous boards and currently chairs Alaska’s Board of Marine Pilots. Thayer is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Executive Energy Leadership Academy and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.