There are three districts in MVEC’s service area, determined by population. Annually, there is one director seat open in each of the three districts. Filings for a three-year term open in November and close in late January.
This year, election ballots will be mailed in March and are due back by mail to MVEC by April 5, 2022 – the day of the Annual Meeting.
Candidates have submitted the following biographies, director goals, and financial contribution reports:
In District 1, the candidates are Deborah Erickson and Daniel Fleischhacker:
Deborah Erickson (incumbent) of Savage
Years as MVEC member: 19 | Spouse: Vern Erickson
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
- Financial Advisor Market Financial, New Market Bank
- 2017 – elected by my cooperative peers across the country to the National Cooperative Services Corporation Board of Directors (NCSC). Re-elected in 2020 and now serve as board vice president. This is a national board of 10 members that lends money to electric cooperatives. Serving on this board has provided an in-depth perspective of our rapidly changing energy environment. This allows me to bring back concepts and ideas to share with MVEC Board and Staff.
- Presented testimony before the 2017 MN State Senate on behalf of Minnesota Rural Electric Cooperatives.
- Obtained the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificate.
Goal as a Director: To provide safe, reliable services at the lowest rates possible while continuing to increase our distribution of renewable energy. Work to maintain MVEC’s strong financial position. Continue to offer programs which educate and enable member-owners to manage their energy consumption efficiently, while exploring technology advancements and cost savings. As an MVEC Director, I take my fiduciary responsibility seriously and work to further the relationship of trust and confidence between MVEC and its member-owners. I believe in the cooperative business model and commitment to our members and communities we serve. It has been a privilege to serve on the MVEC Board and it is my pledge to use my experience to represent the best interest of our member-owners. I would appreciate your continued support and I thank you for your vote!
Erickson Campaign Contribution Report
Daniel Fleischhacker of Savage
Years as MVEC member: 14
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
I have been a finance and operations professional with over 25 years of experience across varying industries. I have worked inside private companies as well as a CPA firm and operated my own CPA practice for 16 years. I have served as board member and treasurer for a local Meals on Wheels and soccer club.
Goal as a Director: I have semi‐retired and am looking for the opportunity to use my professional experience in advising roles to others. I look forward to using my strengths in the community.
Fleischhacker Campaign Contributions Report
In District 2, Gary Haberman is unopposed
Gary Haberman (incumbent) | Chanhassen
Years as MVEC member: 23 | Spouse: Phyllis Haberman
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
- Degree in Agriculture Economics from South Dakota State University
- Thirty-five years experience in Credit and Financial Management. This experience helps me understand financial reports and the annual proposed budget which needs to be approved by the MVEC Board each year.
- Officer in the US Army. Two years active duty and four years reserve
- Held the following leadership positions: Chairman of the National Association of Credit Management
(Minneapolis Chapter), President of Toastmasters, President of the Lions Club, Vice-Chair of the MVEC Board - Managed my father’s rental farm for five years until his passing
- Served on a committee, in 2021, to update MVEC’s bylaws
- Earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificate designations through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
- Lector/Commentator at St. Edward’s Parish for 32 years
- Served on the Financial Initiative Team at Pax Christi Faith Community for two years
- Led a committee to establish the Chanhassen Lions Club as a 501c3 Foundation in 2020
- At the present time I am a member of the following: Chanhassen Lions Club; Chanhassen Lions Club Foundation, 501c3, currently serving as its President; Justice Grants Board at Pax Christi; Minnesota Rural Electric Association: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; Action Committee for Rural Electrics
- Hobbies include, Minnetonka Bicycling Club, Golf, Gardening and Reading
Goal as a Director: To make sure that MVEC continues to provide the best possible service at reasonable rates while maintaining a strong financial position within a safe environment. With my varied life
experiences (now retired) as well as my nine years experience on the MVEC Board puts me in a great position to continue to be your voice on timely issues such as climate change, energy storage and
renewable sources of energy.
Haberman Campaign Contributions Report
In District 3, Jim Connelly is unopposed
James D “Jim” Connelly (incumbent)
St. Thomas
Years as MVEC member: 46 years
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
- Associate degree in sales/marketing – Mankato Tech Institute
- 40 years outside sales rep and manager for truck equipment
- I have four adult children and 11 grandchildren. I hunt with my kids, ride motorcycle
- Sons of American Legion, Le Center, and Belle Plaine Rural Fire Board
Goal as a Director: I will continue to watch and monitor our power supply options to use the best overall environmentally friendly resources that also keep us competitive with our rates yet always focusing on our reliability as safely as possible. Lastly, to continue to guide and assist our incredible management team and all our valuable employees to keep being such an amazing place to work and provide service for all of us.
