Our Focus:
A Stronger, More Stable Southern Arizona.
About us: our mission
The Southern Arizona Energy Alliance (SAEA) is dedicated to advancing our region’s social and economic wellbeing by preserving access to affordable, reliable electric service for all local residents and businesses. SAEA supports constructive collaboration between electric service providers and local jurisdictions.
Leadership: Board of Directors
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Larry Lucero brings nearly 30 years of experience in government affairs and economic development within the Southern Arizona energy sector. Throughout his career, he has managed local, state, and federal legislative agendas and led statewide business recruitment and retention efforts. A 7th generation Tucsonan with deep roots in the region, Larry is a recipient of the TEP Lifetime Achievement Award for his over 4,000 hours of community service. He has served as Chair of the Tucson Industrial Development Authority and on the boards of the Tucson Metro Chamber, Tucson Youth Development, and Chicanos Por La Causa Southeastern Arizona Advisory Council.
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Frank Grijalva is an International Representative for the IBEW, where he guides local leaders representing over 11,000 workers across Arizona. With more than 31 years of experience working for an investor-owned utility, Frank possesses a deep understanding of the complexities involved in operating electric and gas systems. He has held numerous craft and leadership positions within both the utility sector and the IBEW, and currently serves as an IBEW Strong Trainer for the 7th District.
A Tucson native, Frank is a dedicated advocate for workforce development and labor-employer relations. He has served as a member of the Arizona Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, the Pima and Yuma County Workforce Investment Boards, and the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Public Policy Committee. Frank is committed to ensuring that Southern Arizona’s energy infrastructure continues to provide sustainable career opportunities and a high quality of life for local families.
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Sharon Bronson served on the Pima County Board of Supervisors for 27 years (1996–2023), representing District 3 and making history as the first woman elected as Chairman of the Board. With a professional background in business administration and accounting, Sharon led regional strategies focused on balanced economic growth, infrastructure investment, and high-wage job creation. She was a co-founder of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (now Sun Corridor Inc.) and served as a past Co-Chair of its Board of Directors.
Throughout her tenure, Sharon held multiple leadership positions, including President of the County Supervisors Association of Arizona and the U.S./Mexico Border County Coalition. She has also served on the boards of Visit Tucson and the Pima Association of Governments, as well as the National Association of Counties’ Environment, Energy, and Land Use Steering Committee. Her community impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the YWCA’s “Women on the Move” award and the Metropolitan Pima Alliance’s “Common Ground” award.