Amy Gavell Appointed as Executive Director of Operation Round Up

Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) has appointed Amy Gavell, DMEA’s Chief of Staff, as Executive Director of the cooperative’s Operation Round Up (ORU) program, strengthening the cooperative’s commitment to supporting local families, organizations, and communities.

Operation Round Up is a voluntary, member-funded program that allows participating DMEA members to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar, with those small contributions pooled to create a meaningful source of support for the community. Members can also round up to a larger amount if they choose. The DMEA Operation Round Up Charitable Trust distributes funds based on community needs and impact.

“Operation Round Up is a great example of the cooperative difference,” said Gavell. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors. A few cents from one member may not seem like much, but when thousands of members participate, those small contributions become a powerful resource for people and organizations right here in our communities.”

The program currently raises over $50,000 each year. As of 2026, the amount generated by ORU will be matched by DMEA’s Capital Credit Community Fund to provide an even greater impact for local families and organizations. ORU is a charitable trust made up of a nine-member board of DMEA members from across the cooperative’s service territory.

Gavell began at DMEA in 2011. As Chief of Staff since 2022, she brings extensive knowledge of the cooperative, its members, and the communities it serves. Gavell will continue as DMEA’s Chief of Staff while serving as ORU Executive Director. Her work with DMEA has included supporting organizational priorities, board relations, and community-focused initiatives. Gavell has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver. She currently sits on the Boards of the Montrose Community Foundation and Mrs. Claus for a Cause and was a 2026 Women of Distinction recipient from Our Town Matters.

In her role as executive director for ORU, Gavell will help oversee the Operation Round Up program and support the volunteer Board of Directors as they evaluate funding requests and identify opportunities to make a meaningful difference throughout DMEA’s service territory.

“Amy is a tremendous asset to both DMEA and Operation Round Up,” said DMEA CEO Jack Johnston. “She brings a deep understanding of our cooperative, a genuine passion for our community, and a strong commitment to making a difference. Operation Round Up gives our members a direct way to put that commitment into action, and I’m confident Amy’s leadership will help the program continue to grow and expand its impact.”

Participation in Operation Round Up is voluntary. Members who participate typically contribute about 50 cents per month, or approximately $6 per year. Members can also choose to make additional contributions.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do at DMEA,” Gavell said. “Operation Round Up is one of the clearest examples of that spirit in action. I’m honored to help lead a program that allows our members to make a difference for their neighbors in such a simple and meaningful way.”

Members interested in participating in Operation Round Up or learning more about the program can visit dmea.com/operation-round-up or call DMEA at 877-687-3632.