WASHINGTON — The Wyoming Infrastructure Authority has named Jason Begger as its new executive director, replacing Loyd Drain, who will step down at the end of next month.
Begger has been government affairs manager for Gillette, Wyo.-based Cloud Peak Energy and its predecessor Rio Tinto Energy America since 2007. Prior to Cloud Peak Energy, he worked for the Petroleum Association of Wyoming and for former U.S. Congressman Denny Rehberg, R-Mont.
"It's my pleasure to announce Jason Begger as the next Executive Director of the WIA," Michael Easley, WIA's chairman and chief executive officer of Powder River Energy Corporation, said in a statement. "Jason's experience in public policy and the private sector will be an asset for the WIA as we move forward in achieving our goals."
Begger will work with Drain through the end of July, the WIA said. Governed by a five-member board of directors appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, the WIA has $1 billion of bonding authority for financing infrastructure projects. The authority received authority in state law this year to pursue financings of projects out of state if they benefit Wyoming's energy strategy.
"I am humbled and honored to be provided this opportunity," Begger said. "Having worked on energy issues in Wyoming for the past nine years, I understand the importance of natural resources to the state and its citizens. I am excited to continue the work the board and the executive director have started."
Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead praised both the departing Drain and the incoming Begger.
"Loyd is an asset to my office and he is wonderful to work with - he will be missed," Mead said in a statement. "I thank him for everything he's done for Wyoming and wish him well in his future pursuits. My office has worked with Jason for more than four years. I know him from Leadership Wyoming where he impressed me. Jason has big shoes to fill, I feel confident he is up to the task. Congratulations to him as he takes on this new role for Wyoming."
