News > We Work For You – Board of Directors

We Work For You – Board of Directors

February 2025

At Stearns Electric Association, our mission is member focused. Our Board of Directors takes pride in representing you, the members, and working on behalf of your best interests. 

By the members, for the members: that’s how Stearns Electric Association was founded in 1937. Since the beginning, member-consumers have played a lead role in organizing the Cooperative and electing members to serve on the Board of Directors. Today, nine directors, one to represent each Cooperative district, make up the Stearns Electric Board. 

MAIN BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES:
Your Board of Directors is responsible for five key tasks. 

1. Evaluates whether decisions and policies help Stearns Electric further its commitment to providing excellent member service and safe and reliable energy service at a competitive price. 
2. Adopts and enforces policies and resolutions. 
3. Provides financial oversight and strategic direction. 
4. Serves as ambassadors to the Cooperative’s membership, communities and legislative representatives. 
5. Hires and manages the CEO, as well as the annual audit firm and the Cooperative’s attorney. 

As elected members and representatives, Board members serve as fiduciaries and are required to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of the Cooperative and its membership.

“I try to engage with our Cooperative members to better understand their needs and concerns. I have attended several Member Engagement Group meetings which are an amazing opportunity to talk to engaged members. I have also gone for coffee or lunch with several members in my district. I am always looking for additional opportunities to have conversations with members.” – Jeff Koehler

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A BOARD MEMBER? 

QUALIFICATIONS
Directors must receive electric service from Stearns Electric at their primary residence in the district they represent. Directors cannot be an immediate relative to an employee, employed by an enterprise that directly competes with or provides substantial services to the Cooperative, or have any other conflict of interest. A complete list of qualifications is located within the Cooperative Bylaws. 

COMMITMENT
Directors serve a three-year term and must be available to attend monthly Board meetings, the Annual Meeting, and additional training and/or conferences throughout their term. Board members are also expected to prepare for Board meetings and serve as an ambassador for the Cooperative in the community. 

“Preparing for Board meetings takes me about 4-6 hours each month. This includes reviewing all the materials provided, going through the agenda and researching any topics that need clarification.” – Eric Peterson, Board President

TRAINING AND EDUCATION
All directors are required to earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) within their first term. Directors can continue their education though NRECA if they choose to do so by earning their Board Leadership Certificate and/or Director Gold Credential. 

In 2024, four Directors earned certificates from NRECA. Left to Right: Michael Cramer, District 3, earned his Director Gold Credential, and Jeff Koehler, District 5; Bob Niehaus, District 6; and Scott Dirkes, District 8, each earned their Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate. 

“It takes years to understand the business and how politicians/policies effect our Cooperative, industry and our membership.” – Jerry Fries 

NOTABLE BOARD DECISIONS IN LAST 10 YEARS: 

• Hired a new CEO:
  • Patrick Bleth 2015 
  • Dave Gruenes 2015 
  • Robin Doege 2018 
  • Matt O’Shea 2022 
• Strategic Planning in 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2024 
• Rate Adjustment in 2018 and 2023 
• Reviewed and Updated Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation in 2020 
• Managed COVID protocols in 2020 
• Property Tax Legislation 2020-current 
• Approved New Operations Center and Headquarters Facility in 2024 

“The most challenging part of serving on the Board is making financial decisions that affect rates, but that are in the best interest of the members and the Co-op today, as well as into the future. The new headquarters facility is a prime example.” – Mike Cramer