FAIRBANKS -- The head of the cooperative that provides electricity to Interior Alaska's 100,000 residents has resigned.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports Brian Newton has resigned effective immediately as the chief executive officer of Golden Valley Electric Association.

A release from the cooperative says Newton plans to pursue a job in the Lower 48. He and his wife are both from Nebraska, the release says, and they want to be closer to family.

Cory Borgeson, the cooperative's corporate attorney, has been named interim president and CEO. A firm will be hired to conduct a search for a permanent replacement.