Colorado Springs Utilities CEO Jerry Forte announced his retirement last Wednesday. Forte, who’s led Utilities since 2005, has been at the center of many successes and a few controversies. His expertise and knowledge has served as a counter balance to the Utilities board.

Forte has overseen the successful planning, execution and launch of the Southern Delivery System and deftly handled the Waldo Canyon fire aftermath. He also has managed the controversial debates about closing the city’s Martin Drake Power Plant, which provides about a quarter of the community’s power year-round. He was at the helm during the complicated installation of the Neumann System at Drake. His legacy will impact our area for decades.

Forte’s retirement poses a challenge for the city. Utilities recently lost two other top-level execs, Chief Planning and Financial Officer Bill Cherrier and Chief Water Services Officer Dan Higgins. Those positions have been filled, but the loss of Forte won’t be an easy fix.

It’s a job that demands a vast wealth of knowledge and operational skill. For years, The Gazette Editorial Board has questioned the Utilities governance model. Colorado Springs owns the four-utility organization and it’s run by the City Council, which also functions as the Utilities board. It poses a conflict for the CEO and also does not ensure a board with expertise to oversee this large organization. There has been a lot of community discussion about this, but the Board of Directors (aka City Council) has decided to make no changes.

The new CEO will have to deal with the current governance model while making the best strategic recommendations for our city on things like Drake, governance, renewables and even whether a city-owned utility in its current form is the best idea for our community.

We urge the board to take time and pick a strong, independent and experienced executive to lead Colorado Springs Utilities, worthy of the great city that it serves.