News > Doege to Lead Stearns Electric Association as Next CEO

Doege to Lead Stearns Electric Association as Next CEO

Stearns Electric Association Board of Directors selects Robin Doege to succeed Dave Gruenes as next CEO beginning August 13.

Stearns Electric Association, a Central Minnesota electric cooperative, announced today that its Board of Directors has selected Robin Doege as the Cooperative’s next Chief Executive Officer. Doege, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, will succeed current CEO Dave Gruenes, on August 13.
 
“The search for the Cooperative’s next CEO is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Randy Rothstein, Board President of Stearns Electric Association. “Robin has a strong background in the Cooperative business model from his eight years at Todd-Wadena and ten years at Connexus Energy.” This utility knowledge combined with his strong leadership, management and operations background makes Robin uniquely qualified to lead the Cooperative.
 
In the search for a new CEO, the Board conducted a national search and had a large number of prospects apply. A final round of interviews concluded that Doege was the best individual to the lead the Cooperative. “Having worked with Minnesota rural electric cooperatives for years, I have always viewed Stearns Electric as a premier electric Cooperative,” said Robin Doege. “I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cooperative into the future as we continue to stay focused on competitive pricing, reliable service and innovation.”
 
Doege holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Doege and his wife Stacey will relocate to the Central Minnesota area. They have five children and one grandchild.
 
Retiring CEO Gruenes has provided Cooperative leadership for the last 19 years, the last 3 years as CEO. Gruenes will be retiring from Stearns Electric in mid-August.
 
Robin Doege, currently serves as CEO of Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative and will join Stearns Electric on August 13.