Annual Meeting and Elections
Dakota Electric Association is democratically governed by elected members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. We depend on the guidance and perspective of our board to help set priorities for the co-op and guide governance decisions.
Annual Meeting
As member-owners, all Dakota Electric members are invited to attend and ask questions at the cooperative’s annual meeting, typically held in the month of April. Annual Meetings provide members with information about the cooperative’s growth, financial health, board election and programs available to members.
Thursday, April 27, 2023
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Rosemount Community Center
13885 S Robert Trl, Rosemount, MN 55068
Related Links
Board of Directors Election
As a member of Dakota Electric, you have the opportunity to participate in our annual election and vote for the directors who serve on the board and govern your cooperative. On April 13 (two weeks prior to the annual election), each member will receive their director election ballot in the mail from Survey & Ballot Systems, an independent election service. Each ballot includes instructions on how to vote by mail or online, as well as all director candidate biographies.
Vote by Mail
Ballots must be received at Survey & Ballot Systems’ office no later than noon on April 27. Ballots should NOT be dropped off at Dakota Electric’s office. (The member’s original paper ballot may be submitted in person at Dakota Electric’s Annual Meeting.)
Vote Online
Click on the main banner on the homepage; you will need your account number and election passcode, both of which will be included with the ballot mailed on April 13.
District 1
Seat one | Three-Year Term
John (Jack) DeYoe, Incumbent
John (Jack) DeYoe, Lakeville, seeks re-election in District 1. Jack is a 46-year Dakota Electric member and served as chair for former subsidiary Midwest Energy Services, a voting delegate to the Minnesota and National Rural Electric Cooperative Associations, and achieved the highest NRECA Board Leader Certification (Director Gold). He retired from Ziegler Power Systems as a business manager providing power generation solutions to businesses and utilities including “peak shaving” interruptible power systems. Past affiliations include Caterpillar Dealer Advisory Committee as chairman, American Facilities Engineers, Minnesota Health and Housing Association, Minnesota’s Chief Engineers Guild, and the Minnesota Telecom Association. He is a graduate of Brown Institute, electronic technician program. Jack served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1973.
Cody Larvick
Cody Larvick, Lakeville, seeks election in District 1. Cody, his wife and their three young children have lived in Lakeville for eight years. For the past 17 years, he has worked as a national account manager for the farmer-owned cooperative, CHS Inc., where he’s served on the boards of the U.S. Canola Association, MN Grain and Feed Association, and the California Grain and Feed Association. He and his wife own and operate two small businesses in the south metro; MNIV, a mobile IV infusion company promoting health and wellness; and Lakeville Links, an indoor golf simulator. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato where he double majored in marketing and management. Cody and his family operate a small farm near Faribault, MN.
Jeff Nelson
Jeff Nelson, Lakeville, seeks election in District 1. Jeff is a 24-year Dakota Electric member with a keen interest in renewable energy. He received his master’s degree in taxation and worked for 21 years at the accounting firm PwC as a managing director/CPA before retiring in 2020. At PwC, he co-led PwC’s Like Kind Exchange Technology Practice. He has designed and installed off-the-grid solar and wind power systems at his Minnesota cabin. He is an active member of Lakeville Friends of the Environment, the Sierra Club, Fresh Energy and MRES; and works to support environmental stewardship within his community. As a father and grandfather, Jeff is committed to leaving an energy secure future for our children.
James Schlichting
James Schlichting, Lakeville, seeks election in District 1. James is a two-year Dakota Electric member and a retired attorney. Familiar with electric cooperatives, he represented Freeborn-Mower Electric Cooperative as their attorney for 25 years in Albert Lea, MN. He’s represented other cooperatives, nonprofit and for-profit corporations, individuals in real estate, probate and estate matters, contracts, buying and selling of businesses, and more. He’s tried civil cases, including electric rate cases before an administrative law judge. James served on the Northfield Hospital Board as trustee and president for 10 years. He grew up on a family farm in southern Minnesota, graduated from college in Minnesota and law school from Rutgers-Camden in New Jersey. James has been a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer and served on active duty.
Steve Shurts
Steve Shurts, Lakeville, seeks election in District 1. Steve is an eight-year member of Dakota Electric and a former member of two other electric cooperatives for a total of 25 years of membership. He was employed in the energy industry for over four decades, working for investor-owned and municipal utilities, and three electric cooperatives. He has a working knowledge of various energy sources including, nuclear, coal, oil, gas, wind, and solar. He has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from UW-Madison and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Steve is interested in using his professional experience to navigate the ever-changing economic and regulatory electric industry.
District 2
Seat one | Three-Year Term
Bill Middlecamp, Incumbent
Bill Middlecamp, Apple Valley, seeks re-election in District 2. Bill is a 30-year member of Dakota Electric. During his first term, he completed 14 courses on directorship and electrification, earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate, served as vice chair and treasurer, chaired the elections and audit committees, and more. He retired from engineering and leadership roles at AT&T Bell Labs, and Cray Research Inc., holds three patents, and owned a consulting company. He is a member of the Minnesota Farmers Union, CURE, Fresh Energy, Conservation Minnesota, and others. He holds bachelor’s degrees in computer science and meteorology and a master’s degree in computer science. Over the last decade, Bill led public conversations about trends and technologies for the future. More information is available at https://billmiddlecamp.weebly.com
Laura Lee Berger
Laura Lee Berger, Apple Valley, seeks election in District 2. Laura is a 20-year member of Dakota Electric and a President’s Club real estate agent in and around Dakota County for Coldwell Banker in Lakeville. She is currently the Congressional District 2 Federal Political Coordinator for the National Association of Realtors and served as a board director for the National and Minnesota Associations of Realtors, including the Professional Standards Committee and Governmental Affairs Committee. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and previously sold to the Xcel Black Dog power plant in Burnsville for United Rentals. She is an active member at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville and volunteers with Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. linkedin.com/in/lauraleeberger
District 3
Seat One | Three-Year Term
Margaret Schreiner, Incumbent
Margaret D. Schreiner, Eagan, seeks re-election in District 3. Margaret is a 46-year member of Dakota Electric and a former policy/legislative analyst. She’s served as board chair and currently serves on Great River Energy’s board, holding various positions on its transmission, corporate services, and finance committees. Lead director for state/federal legislative efforts; appointed to the National Director Advisory Committee. She chaired Dakota Electric’s committee for the National Association of Large Distribution Cooperatives, and three statewide taskforces on Elections, Governance and Service Territory Protection. Twice appointed to state legislative committees for renewable energy and energy conservation. Contributor CURE; Fresh Energy; Minnesota Farmers Union. Margaret was nationally recognized in RE Magazine for pioneering Dakota Electric’s online voting efforts and was named Dakota County’s Exceptional Businesswoman in 2015.
Richard Billion
Richard Billion, Apple Valley, seeks election in District 3. Richard is a 28-year member of Dakota Electric. He has been a patent attorney for 40 years and currently leads the firm he founded. Throughout his career he’s worked with assorted high technologies at Exxon, IBM and Control Data. He serves on the finance committee at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville including previously as the chair. He has served on numerous boards including the YMCA in Burnsville and the Friendly Shores Homeowners Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, an MBA in business, and a law degree. Richard also serves his community by volunteering at various local organizations including receiving the Outstanding Scoutmaster award in 2015. http://www.billionarmitage.com
Don Vasatka
Don Vasatka, Eagan, seeks election in District 3. Don is a 42-year member of Dakota Electric. He has 31 years of financial leadership experience including his current position with an investment consulting firm providing analytical expertise to pension plans. He serves on the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission and the finance/governance committee of Northeast Investment Cooperative. His previous experience at US Bank includes credit policy, finance, budgeting, operations, and cost control. He has owned and managed an independent retail organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Don and his wife Pat’s rooftop solar and electric vehicle were featured on the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society’s Solar Home Tour and Fresh Energy. https://fresh-energy.org/don-and-pat-say-yes-to-clean-energy
District 4
Seat One | Three-Year Term
Paul Bakken, Incumbent
Paul Bakken, Eagan, seeks re-election in District 4. Paul is a 29-year member of Dakota Electric. He is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Podiatric Medicine and serves on the Eagan City Council. He served in the Minnesota Army National Guard until 2005. He currently serves as chair of the board. He has contributed to improved management performance review processes, divestiture of subsidiary businesses, transitioning to a paperless work environment, improved energy reliability and affordability, and increased use of renewable energy resources. He has degrees from the University of Minnesota Law School, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and St. Olaf College. Paul is a contributing member of the Minnesota Farmers Union, CURE, Fresh Energy and Conservation Minnesota.
District 4
Seat Two | One-Year Term
Michael Cahn
Michael Cahn, Rosemount, seeks election in District 4. Michael is a 28-year member of Dakota Electric with a strong interest in renewable energy, a clean environment, and electric vehicles. He’s worked with cities and businesses to economically support these initiatives. He retired from Securian Financial after 35 years with the last 15 year as director of IT infrastructure. He’s skilled in cyber security, long-term planning, and large project implementation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota. Michael is currently the vice chair on the board of directors for Listening House, a member of the Dakota County Planning Commission, Flint Hills Community Advisory Council, a volunteer at 360 Communities, and served on the Rosemount Utilities Commission.
Brian Freeman
Brian Freeman, Eagan, seeks election in District 4. Brian is a 13-year member of Dakota Electric, and a director of mechanical engineering at an architecture firm. Throughout his career, he’s gained experience in power design and generation, and knowledge of how power is produced and distributed. He prioritizes energy efficiency at home and at work in his architectural designs for commercial buildings. He has a keen interest in seeing how new energy-efficient technologies can benefit end-users while maintaining low electrical costs and considering environmental factors. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Dakota State. Brian is committed to using his engineering background and knowledge of the electric industry to create balance for the future.
Jenny Hoeft
Jenny Hoeft, Hastings, seeks election in District 4. Jenny is a 13-year member of Dakota Electric and works as a trade execution coordinator for CHS Inc., in Inver Grove Heights. Throughout her career she has done propagation management for Bailey Nurseries in Cottage Grove, and operations management at Afton Alps/Vail Resorts in Hastings. She is the fourth generation living on her family’s farm in Nininger Township. She’s worked in the agriculture industry from an early age, growing into leadership roles within 4-H in Dakota County and Future Farmers of America in Randolph. She holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and an internship in genetics. Jenny serves her community by volunteering at various organizations. linkedin.com/in/jenny-hoeft
Greg Oxley
Greg Oxley, Eagan, seeks election in District 4. Greg is a 16-year member of Dakota Electric. He directed government affairs for United Power Association (predecessor of Great River Energy) and for the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association for 36 years. He’s served as chair of the Dakota County Planning Commission; chair, Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission; chair, Dakota Electric Nominating Committee; vice president, Dakota County Historical Society; and governor (president), Minnesota Society of Mayflower Descendants. A veteran, he was an Air Force Pilot in Vietnam and Grand Forks. He’s a graduate of St. John’s Prep, holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and master’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Greg and his wife Patricia have three children and three grandchildren.
Ian Ziese
Ian Ziese, Eagan, seeks election in District 4. Ian is a 12-year member of Dakota Electric and a data engineer at 3M. He’s served on the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission since 2018 and as vice chair since 2021, where he led electric vehicle, climate, and other sustainability-focused initiatives. He volunteers with several organizations, including Citizens’ Climate Lobby and coaching FIRST LEGO Robotics teams. As a data engineer he uses data and machine learning to solve business problems, including on renewable energy projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of St. Thomas, and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. He is a contributing member of Fresh Energy, Minnesota Farmers Union, CURE, and MnSEIA. https://ianziese.com
Nominating Committee
Dakota Electric requested member volunteers to help be a part of our annual election process by serving on the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee serves as an integral part of our annual election process by interviewing director candidate applicants and helping to determine those qualified to be placed on the election ballot for 2023.
All requests to serve were received on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. The 2023 Nominating Committee interviewed board candidates on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023.
Committee appointments were selected at random to ensure two assignments and one alternate to represent each district. All members were notified of the outcome in early January 2023.
The 2023 Nominating Committee was comprised of the following people: Adam Blom, Robert Erickson, Bryanna Reinsberg, Darrell Sandeen, Jerry Rich, Jenny Zakoski, Karen Webb and Bruce “Buzz” Anderson.
Those who served on the Nominating Committee received a stipend for their time.
Looking for more information?
Districts
Districts are ordered from left to right (1-4) and contain approximately the same amount of members.
Boundaries
Western Boundary
District One’s western border aligns with the western edge of the service territory.
Eastern Boundary
The boundary between District One and District Two starts on the north edge of Dakota Electric’s service area at Hwy. 13 (Old Sibley Memorial Hwy.) and 12th Ave.; then south on 12th Ave. 0.2 of a mile to Parkwood Dr.; then south on Parkwood Dr. 0.6 of a mile to Burnsville Pkwy.; then east on Burnsville Pkwy. 0.7 of a mile to county state aid highway (CSAH) 11; then south on CSAH 11 1.1 miles to Hwy. 35E; then southwest on Hwy. 35E 0.6 of a mile to CSAH 11 and CSAH 38 (McAndrews Rd.); then south on CSAH 11 1.1 miles to CSAH 42 and LacLavon Dr.; then south on LacLavon Dr. 1.5 miles to CSAH 46 (162nd St. W.); then west on CSAH 46 0.4 of a mile to Ipava Ave.; then south on Ipava Ave. 0.3 of a mile to 165th St. W.; then east on 165th St. 1.3 miles to Highview Ave.; then south on Highview Ave. 1.4 miles to CSAH 9 (Dodd Blvd.); then south on Dodd Blvd. 10 miles to CSAH 46 (Pillsbury Ave.); then south on CSAH 46 (Pillsbury Ave.) 1.5 miles to CSAH 86 and Hazelwood Ave.; then south on Hazelwood Ave. (CSAH 46) 4.6 miles to the south edge of the service area.
Western Boundary
The boundary between District One and District Two starts on the north edge of Dakota Electric’s service area at Hwy. 13 (Old Sibley Memorial Hwy.) and 12th Ave.; then south on 12th Ave. 0.2 of a mile to Parkwood Dr.; then south on Parkwood Dr. 0.6 of a mile to Burnsville Pkwy.; then east on Burnsville Pkwy. 0.7 of a mile to county state aid highway (CSAH) 11; then south on CSAH 11 1.1 miles to Hwy. 35E; then southwest on Hwy. 35E 0.6 of a mile to CSAH 11 and CSAH 38 (McAndrews Rd.); then south on CSAH 11 1.1 miles to CSAH 42 and LacLavon Dr.; then south on LacLavon Dr. 1.5 miles to CSAH 46 (162nd St. W.); then west on CSAH 46 0.4 of a mile to Ipava Ave.; then south on Ipava Ave. 0.3 of a mile to 165th St. W.; then east on 165th St. 1.3 miles to Highview Ave.; then south on Highview Ave. 1.4 miles to CSAH 9 (Dodd Blvd.); then south on Dodd Blvd. 10 miles to CSAH 46 (Pillsbury Ave.); then south on CSAH 46 (Pillsbury Ave.) 1.5 miles to CSAH 86 and Hazelwood Ave.; then south on Hazelwood Ave. (CSAH 46) 4.6 miles to the south edge of the service area.
Eastern Boundary
The boundary between District 2 and 3 starts on the north edge of Dakota Electric’s service area at Hwy. 13 and Rahn Rd.; then follows Rahn Rd. south 1.5 miles to Shale Ln.; then west on Shale Ln. 0.5 of a mile to Nichols Rd.; then south on Nichols Rd. 1.3 miles to Hwy. 35E and Hwy. 77 exchange; then south on Hwy. 77 1.4 miles to CSAH 38 (McAndrews Rd.); then east on CSAH 38 (McAndrews Rd.) 0.5 of a mile to Galaxie Ave.; then south on Galaxie Ave. 2.5 miles to 157th St. W.; then east on 157th St. W. 0.6 of a mile to Flagstaff Ave.; then south on Flagstaff Ave. 1.3 miles to 170th St. W.; then east on 170th St. 1 mile to CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.); then south on CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.) 2.5 miles to Co. Rd. 64 (195th St. W.); then west on Co. Rd. 64 (195th St. W.) 1 mile to Flagstaff Ave.; then south on Flagstaff Ave. 3 miles to 225th St. W.; then west on 225th St. W. 1 mile to CSAH 23 (Cedar Ave.); then south on CSAH 23 (Cedar Ave.) 2.5 miles to Galaxie Ave.; then south on Galaxie Ave. 3.3 miles to CSAH 86 (280th St. W.); then east on CSAH 86 0.3 of a mile to Foliage Ave.; then south on Foliage Ave. 3 miles to the south edge of the service area.
Western Boundary
The boundary between District 2 and 3 starts on the north edge of Dakota Electric’s service area at Hwy. 13 and Rahn Rd.; then follows Rahn Rd. south 1.5 miles to Shale Ln.; then west on Shale Ln. 0.5 of a mile to Nichols Rd.; then south on Nichols Rd. 1.3 miles to Hwy. 35E and Hwy. 77 exchange; then south on Hwy. 77 1.4 miles to CSAH 38 (McAndrews Rd.); then east on CSAH 38 (McAndrews Rd.) 0.5 of a mile to Galaxie Ave.; then south on Galaxie Ave. 2.5 miles to 157th St. W.; then east on 157th St. W. 0.6 of a mile to Flagstaff Ave.; then south on Flagstaff Ave. 1.3 miles to 170th St. W.; then east on 170th St. 1 mile to CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.); then south on CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.) 2.5 miles to Co. Rd. 64 (195th St. W.); then west on Co. Rd. 64 (195th St. W.) 1 mile to Flagstaff Ave.; then south on Flagstaff Ave. 3 miles to 225th St. W.; then west on 225th St. W. 1 mile to CSAH 23 (Cedar Ave.); then south on CSAH 23 (Cedar Ave.) 2.5 miles to Galaxie Ave.; then south on Galaxie Ave. 3.3 miles to CSAH 86 (280th St. W.); then east on CSAH 86 0.3 of a mile to Foliage Ave.; then south on Foliage Ave. 3 miles to the south edge of the service area.
Eastern Boundary
The boundary between District 3 and 4 starts on the north edge of Dakota Electric’s service area at CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.) and CSAH 26 (Lone Oak Rd.); then west on Lone Oak Rd. 0.3 of a mile then south 0.3 mile; then east 0.3 mile to Pilot Knob Rd.; then south on Pilot Knob Rd. (CSAH 31) 0.9 of a mile to Hwy. 35E; then south on Hwy. 35E 2.3 miles to CSAH 30 (Diffley Rd.); then east on Diffley Rd. 0.3 of a mile to Johnny Cake Ridge Rd.; then south on Johnny Cake Ridge Rd. 1.3 miles to CSAH 32 (Cliff Rd.); then east on Cliff Rd. 1 mile to CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.); then south on CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.) 2 miles to CSAH 33 (Diamond Path W.); then south on CSAH 33 (Diamond Path W.) 3.3 miles to CSAH (160th St. W.); continue south on alignment with Diamond Path 1 mile to Co. Rd. 58 (170th St. W.); then east on 170th St. W. 2 miles to Biscayne Ave.; then south on Biscayne Ave. 3.2 miles to CSAH 66 (Vermillion River Trl.); then east on CSAH 66 3.2 miles to Co. Rd. 79 (Blaine Ave.); then south on Co. Rd. 79 (Blaine Ave.) 8 miles to CSAH 86 (280th St. W.); then west on CSAH 86 (280th St. W.) 4 miles to Hwy. 3; then south on Hwy. 3 3.5 miles to south edge of Dakota Electric’s service area.
Western Boundary
The boundary between District 3 and 4 starts on the north edge of Dakota Electric’s service area at CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.) and CSAH 26 (Lone Oak Rd.); then west on Lone Oak Rd. 0.3 of a mile then south 0.3 mile; then east 0.3 mile to Pilot Knob Rd.; then south on Pilot Knob Rd. (CSAH 31) 0.9 of a mile to Hwy. 35E; then south on Hwy. 35E 2.3 miles to CSAH 30 (Diffley Rd.); then east on Diffley Rd. 0.3 of a mile to Johnny Cake Ridge Rd.; then south on Johnny Cake Ridge Rd. 1.3 miles to CSAH 32 (Cliff Rd.); then east on Cliff Rd. 1 mile to CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.); then south on CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Rd.) 2 miles to CSAH 33 (Diamond Path W.); then south on CSAH 33 (Diamond Path W.) 3.3 miles to CSAH (160th St. W.); continue south on alignment with Diamond Path 1 mile to Co. Rd. 58 (170th St. W.); then east on 170th St. W. 2 miles to Biscayne Ave.; then south on Biscayne Ave. 3.2 miles to CSAH 66 (Vermillion River Trl.); then east on CSAH 66 3.2 miles to Co. Rd. 79 (Blaine Ave.); then south on Co. Rd. 79 (Blaine Ave.) 8 miles to CSAH 86 (280th St. W.); then west on CSAH 86 (280th St. W.) 4 miles to Hwy. 3; then south on Hwy. 3 3.5 miles to south edge of Dakota Electric’s service area.
Eastern Boundary
District Four’s eastern border aligns with the eastern edge of the service territory.
