CEO Message - December 2025

At the end of the month, I will be retiring after spending over 14 years in leadership at the Cooperative, with over six years are your CEO.

I am grateful and honored to have had the pleasure of serving you.  I love this cooperative and I love the cooperative business model.  Working for you, the member-owner, within a democratically controlled not-for-profit structure gave me a greater sense of pride and purpose than any other job I have held.  As I reflect, the people and relationships are what make it special for me.  Many of you have become my friends and I cherish that.

From my close relationship with your seven Board of Directors and 65 staff, I have the unique vantage point of regularly witnessing their commitment to you and your best interest in all they do.  I hope you can also see the 'cooperative difference' in their service to you.

During my tenure as CEO, I am most proud of the improvement of our reliability metrics to a world-class standard and achieving improved financial stability, all while maintaining affordable rates for members.  Also, I was proud to be part of the Alliant Energy acquisition in 2015, which has proven to be a great financial benefit for our cooperative.  And lastly, I am proud to have led an internal culture transition, establishing a culture of collaboration which solidifies People's Energy as a desired employer in Southeast Minnesota.

As I step into retirement, I want to reassure you that you are in good hands.  Please join me in welcoming your new President and CEO, Gwen Stevens.  With local roots, Gwen has been a dedicated part of People's Energy leadership team for the last 14 years and is a good friend of mine.  I know she will lead with compassion, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to serving you well.

I have been blessed with so many aspects of my life and am grateful for everything.  In retirement I plan to travel with my wonderful wife, spend lots of time with my kids and grandkids, become more engaged with my church, enjoy time on the lake fishing, and stay active golfing, bowling, and working out.

Be Well and God Bless!