Idaho Falls Veteran Public Works Director Chris Fredericksen Appointed General Manager of Idaho Falls Power
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — A familiar face in city government is taking on a new role at one of the region’s key public utilities. Chris Fredericksen, who has served as Idaho Falls Public Works Director for the past 13 years, was officially appointed general manager of Idaho Falls Power on Thursday evening following confirmation by the Idaho Falls City Council.
The appointment capped more than 23 years of service Fredericksen has given to the City of Idaho Falls. The council’s vote was followed by applause from both council members and audience members — a departure from the usual formality of city council proceedings. Fredericksen is set to officially begin his new role on May 4, Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw announced during the meeting.
A Career Built on Infrastructure and Public Service
Fredericksen’s career with Idaho Falls began when he joined the city as city engineer. He later served as assistant public works director before ascending to the top public works post, a position he held for 13 years. During that time, he oversaw a wide range of infrastructure projects that have shaped the physical landscape of Idaho Falls.
Among the projects he cited from his tenure was the widening of Sunnyside Road from two to five lanes — a significant arterial improvement for a growing community. He also oversaw major water system upgrades, the drilling of new wells, and improvements to the city’s sewer treatment plant.
“A lot of that comes down to concrete, pavement and steel,” Fredericksen said in remarks reported by EastIdahoNews.com. “It’s such a variety within public works.”
Not all of the memorable projects were large-scale engineering undertakings. Fredericksen pointed to the opening of a splash pad as one of the moments that stuck with him most from his public works career.
“Seeing the kids when you cut the ribbon, and the kids go out there and play on that, that’s incredibly meaningful,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in the department, Fredericksen emphasized the quality of the people he worked alongside. “That might sound corny, but we have some great people here, whether that’s the staff here in public works, citywide or the elected officials,” he said. “I’ve just been really blessed to be able to work with some people who are very good at what they do.”
Idaho Falls Power Leadership Transition
Fredericksen steps into the general manager role after the utility spent nearly a year under interim leadership. Stephen Boorman has served as interim general manager following the resignation of the previous general manager, Bear Prairie, in 2025. Prairie departed after accepting a position elsewhere in the utility industry, closing out nearly 15 years of service to the city.
Mayor Burtenshaw recognized Boorman’s contributions during the transition period. “Stephen has done an incredible job as the interim general manager,” she said in a news release. “His knowledge of the public power system and city administration has been crucial during this transition.”
In his new role, Fredericksen will be responsible for overseeing high-level operations, strategic direction, and the continued delivery of electric service to Idaho Falls residents and businesses. Burtenshaw expressed confidence that Fredericksen brings the right combination of experience and vision to the position.
“Director Fredericksen has the vision, knowledge and experience to ensure IF Power continues its tradition as a cutting-edge utility, while focusing on workplace safety and excellent customer service,” Burtenshaw said.
Fredericksen echoed that optimism, noting his familiarity with the utility. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of different general managers at Idaho Falls Power,” he said. “It’s always been a high-performing utility, and I’m really excited to be a part of that and work with those people over there.”
As Fredericksen moves to Idaho Falls Power, Assistant Public Works Director Chris Canfield will step into the role of interim public works director, ensuring continuity in city operations. Idaho Falls Power is a municipally owned electric utility serving the broader Idaho Falls community and plays a central role in the city’s long-term energy planning, including its connection to regional water and natural resource management efforts that increasingly affect municipal infrastructure across East Idaho.
What Comes Next
Fredericksen officially assumes the general manager post on May 4. City officials have indicated that the transition at Idaho Falls Power will be managed carefully, building on the groundwork laid during the interim period. Canfield’s appointment as interim public works director ensures that the department Fredericksen built over more than a decade maintains leadership stability. For statewide coverage of Idaho municipal and energy news, visit Idaho News.