2024 Director Election

I graduated from Blackduck High School and hold a BS in Business Administration from Bemidji State University. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, I have spent 31 years with AgCountry Farm Credit Services, providing credit and financial services to rural communities and farmers. I feel privileged to have worked for a farmer-owned co-op. I have experience in short-term and long-term planning and finance.

 My wife, Shelly, and I have two sons and two grandchildren. I enjoy reading, hunting, golfing, fishing, and spending time on the lake with family.

My have served on the Wilton City Council and the Bemidji Town & Country Club board

I believe we need to find a sustainable and cost-efficient balance between fossil fuels and renewable energy. I am eager to learn more about various energy generation methods, including wind, solar, water, nuclear, and coal, as I think all have roles to play in maintaining affordable energy for homes and businesses. I am a strong supporter of the cooperative business model and am dedicated to assisting Beltrami Electric in its continued success.

My husband and I moved to Bemidji in 2011 and have two children. I cherish this community and plan to be a lifelong resident. Beltrami Electric plays a significant role in our area, inspiring me to be an active member and contribute to the co-op. I founded Evolve Creative in 2004 and have 25 years of experience in marketing and web design. Currently, I am the marketing manager at our family business, AirCorps Aviation.

My board experience includes serving with the United Way of Bemidji Area, Evolve Creative, and AirCorps Aviation. Additionally, I have been involved in several church committees and was a founding leader of the Entrepreneurs Meetup at the LaunchPad through Greater Bemidji. I enjoy trail and mountain biking, volleyball, and daily walks with my Goldendoodle.

I believe I can offer creative and strategic thinking and enjoy brainstorming solutions to challenges. Increasing regulations and policies from the U.S. government, along with issues related to permitting, land use, and energy innovation, are growing challenges in this industry that I am eager to address.

I am a lifelong resident of the Bemidji area with a BS in Industrial Technology from Bemidji State University. Staying active physically, mentally, and spiritually is important to me. Over the years, I have served on church boards and councils, completed two terms on the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners, and have been on Beltrami Electric’s board of directors for 12 years, currently as the board chair.

I have completed three NRECA training programs: the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate, the Board Leadership Certificate, and the Director Gold Certificate. These programs cover the evolving electric industry and the responsibilities of being an effective board member.

My primary focus is to ensure we continue providing affordable and reliable electricity to our members while keeping our balance sheet strong. As we integrate new technologies like solar, wind, battery storage, and electric vehicles (EVs), it is crucial to maintain coal-fired baseload generation and incorporate carbon capture to ensure reliability. I am committed to balancing innovation with stability, ensuring our cooperative can meet future energy demands while maintaining excellent service for our members.

I have a deep connection to this area. My wife and I have been year-round residents since 2007. I hold a BA from Macalester College and a law degree from the University of Minnesota. I worked as an air traffic control specialist in Princeton, Minn., until my retirement.

I have served on the boards of the Kabekona Lake Foundation and the Leech Lake Watershed Foundation (now the Northern Waters Land Trust).

I’m deeply concerned about the effects of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels has created a serious danger for future generations. Beltrami Electric is doing a good job of transitioning to clean energy with 42% generated by wind and hydro. However, 56% is still generated by burning coal. I’m realistic enough to realize that we can’t just stop burning coal, especially if we want to keep electric rates low. As a director, I will work with others to continue the transition to clean energy. By taking advantage of government programs, we should be able to achieve this goal while maintaining affordable electric energy.

I have been a cooperative member for 45 years and live in the Laporte area. I hold a BS in Elementary Education, a MS in School Administration with minors in English and Psychology, and a Specialist/6th-Year Degree in School Administration. My career includes roles as a teacher, elementary school principal, school administrator, and interim superintendent. I enjoy music and play bass guitar with a couple groups and acoustic guitar in church.

I am passionate about volunteering, serving at my church, the Laporte Food Shelf, Legion Auxiliary, Bone Builders, as an election judge for Hart Lake Township. Prior to serving on the BEC board, I volunteered on the Beltrami Electric Cooperative Trust Board for Operation Round Up®, where I served as president for five years. I have also served on the Riverview Hospital board in Crookston, Minn., and volunteered on two church boards.

I believe preserving our environment in the lakes area and beyond is crucial. Additionally, I am committed to improving our energy usage and ensuring that electricity remains affordable and reliable for the members of Beltrami Electric Cooperative.