Following the merger of Tri-County Electric Cooperative and Hawkeye REC on January 1, 2017, MiEnergy Cooperative was managed by a board of 14 directors that represented the two cooperatives. Each director represents a geographical area of the cooperative’s service territory called a district. MiEnergy has five districts. Approximately one-third of the directors are elected at each annual meeting.

In 2016, members approved the plan of merger, which created a cooperative transition period with no elections in 2017, 2018 or 2019 and that allows the board to reduce the number of directors through resignations, retirements and other means deemed appropriate. However, the board shall consist of at least nine directors and no more than 14. The next director elections will be held in 2023 (district 1) 2024 (districts 2 & 3).

During the fall of 2019 when one director retired and another resigned, the board chose to not fill their seats. Another director retired in 2022, reducing the board to its current 11 directors.

Being elected to the board is a paid position that comes with responsibilities. Contact Heather Larson (800-432-2285 or hlarson@MiEnergy.coop) for board policies.

To contact any member of the board, please call 1-800-432-2285 or email the individual director(s) at the email addresses listed.

Members can address the board at its monthly meeting during its regular agenda item reserved for member comments. Members must contact Heather Larson (800-432-2285 or hlarson@MiEnergy.coop) prior to the meeting to confirm the date, location and to receive an estimated time for the member comment period.

Schedule of Meeting Dates

*Subject to change*

2023

January 31 – Rushford
February 28 – Cresco
March 30 – Rushford
April 25 – Cresco
May 25 – Rushford 
June 29 – Cresco
July 27 – Rushford
August 31 – Cresco
September 28 – Rushford
October 31 – Cresco
November 30 – Rushford
December 21 – Cresco 

Board Meeting Summaries

Meeting summaries are published every month in MiNews. Back issues of the publication are available online.

Board of Directors

Kyle Holthaus

Kyle

Kyle Holthaus

District: 4
Elected: 2022
Address: Waukon, IA

Dean Nierling

Dean Nierling

Dean Nierling

District: 2
Elected: 1999
Address: Decorah, IA
• MiEnergy board chair

Beth Olson

Beth Olson

Beth Olson

District: 5
Elected: 2012
Address: Lewiston, Minn.

Don Petersen

Don Petersen

Don Petersen

District: 3
Elected: 2011
Address: Hokah, Minn.
• MiEnergy board treasurer

Dennis Ptacek

Dennis Ptacek

Dennis Ptacek

District: 1
Elected: 1996
Address: Elma, IA
• MiEnergy board secretary; Represents MiEnergy on the MSG and MiBroadband board of directors

Jeff Redalen

Jeff Redalen

Jeff Redalen

District: 1
Elected: 2002
Address: Fountain, Minn.

Carl Reicks

Carl Reicks

Carl Reicks

District: 4
Elected: 2010
Address: New Hampton, IA

Jenny Scharmer

Jenny Scharmer

Jenny Scharmer

District: 5
Elected: 2006
Address: Winona, Minn.
• Dairyland Director
• MREA Resolutions committee and chair 
• NRECA Resolutions committee member and chair

Ron Stevens

Ron Stevens

Ron Stevens

District: 2
Elected: 2007
Address: Preston, Minn.
• MiEnergy board vice-chair.
• Represents MiEnergy on the MSG and MiBroadband boards.
• Represents MiEnergy on the Minnesota Rural Electric Association board.

Skip Wieser

Skip Wieser

Skip Wieser

District: 3
Elected: 2013
Address: La Crescent, Minn.

Dennis Young

Dennis Young

Dennis Young

District: 3
Elected: 2004
Address: Decorah, IA