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 February and are due back by mail to MVEC by March 28, 2023 – the day of the Annual Meeting.
Candidates have submitted the following biographies, director goals, and financial contribution reports:
In District 1, Brent Lawrence is unopposed
Brent A. Lawrence (incumbent) | Credit River
Years as MVEC member: 34 | Spouse: Deborah
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
- President of Lawrence Auctioneering, a business that raises money for not-for-profit organizations. Before that, I spent 23 years at a Fortune 500 corporation managing sales and marketing teams.
- Attended Minnesota State University, Mankato. In addition, while working in the publishing industry, I graduated from a corporate leadership development program.
- Serve on the Credit River City Council. As a professional auctioneer, I give back to the community providing auction services for local worthy causes.
Goal as a Director: To continue to provide safe and reliable service at the lowest rate possible and increase our distribution of renewable energy.
- Recently, MVEC received an ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index) score of 87. Comparatively, the Investor-Owned Utilities industry scored 72 (2022 ACSI Report). Our team members provide exceptional service to the membership.
- Low rates. MVEC members on average pay 10% less for electricity compared to Xcel Energy customers.
- MVEC’s Energy Wise programs help members save on their electric bills and collectively save on our wholesale power costs. MVEC’s diverse power supply portfolio continues to evolve and allows for more carbon-free options, while balancing affordability and reliability.
The Energy Industry is getting more and more complex every day. You have my guarantee that I will continue to represent the best interests of our member-owners.
It is an honor to serve you. Thank you for your vote.
Lawrence Campaign Contribution Report
In District 2, Michelle Morrison is unopposed
Michelle Morrison (incumbent) | Chanhassen
Years as MVEC member: 30 | Spouse: Terry
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
- Graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in finance and work for the City of Cologne.
- Served on the Belle Plaine School board for 12 years.
- My husband Terry and I have 3 adult children and our family operates Faxon Creek Cattle on the farm that has been in our family for 150 years.
Goal as a Director: For the past 20 years I have had the honor to serve the members of MVEC and act in their best interests in making decisions in the board room. As a cooperative owned by it’s members, I make every effort to assure we are providing reliable and affordable power. Our industry is rapidly changing and I will work hard to assure the coop is well positioned to face the challenges.
Morrison Campaign Contributions Report
In District 3, the candidates are Anthony Albright, Julie Bifano and Elizabeth (Liz) Krocak:
Anthony Albright | Prior Lake
Years as MVEC member: 22 years
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
Tony Albright is a lobbyist with Poul Haas Government Relations. Prior to this, Tony served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 10 years, where he was acknowledged as a highly regarded policy expert and leader. His breadth of knowledge enables him to provide insight and leadership on a variety of issues including energy, healthcare, transportation, local government, capital investment, commerce, as well as tax, and economic development.
Prior to his legislative service, Tony spent 25 years in the financial advisory field, concentrating on retirement planning, fiduciary compliance, and leadership succession. He is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead with a B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing, and Finance.
His community involvement includes membership in the Jordan Commercial Club, Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE) and the Minnesota Government Relations Council.
Goal as a Director: To provide a reliable efficient power supply; delivering it at the lowest possible cost; while ensuring effective and meaningful services to our membership by engaging with them regularly. It is imperative that we continue to invest in the strong relationship of confidence and trust shared between the member-owners and MVEC leadership. The future energy generation (as well as its consumption) is dynamic and everchanging, and the board must continue to explore and thoughtfully consider advancements in the delivery models for providing energy to the Cooperative. With my background, I believe I am well suited to support and promote these efforts on behalf of MVEC as a member of its Board of Directors. I would welcome your support and your vote.
Albright Campaign Contributions Report
Julie Bifano | Montgomery
Years as MVEC member: 11 | Spouse: Scott Stasney
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
- B.S. degree from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- 30 yrs of experience in various business leadership roles within Fortune 10, Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 companies
- Small Business owner/ serial entrepreneur
- Prior Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Montgomery Lions Member, Mainstreet Task Force Committee Member, Committee Member for multiple Czech Heritage Festivals in Montgomery
- Hobbies include spending time with our many animals and traveling to warm locales!
Goal as a Director: My goal as a Director is to be a strong advocate for MVEC Members. Enabling members to manage their energy consumption as we all strive for continued reliability in services at the lowest rates is paramount. As a proven leader and a sound listener, I will strive to enhance the relationship and confidence that already exists within MVEC membership. I would be honored to serve the MVEC Members as the newly elected Director for District 3.
Bifano Campaign Contributions Report
Elizabeth (Liz) Krocak | Montgomery
Years as MVEC member: 41 | Spouse: Bob
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement, and Hobbies:
Liz & Bob have been farming and raising kids on a century farm in Montgomery for 41 years and MVEC members just as long. Liz served 9 years on the Le Sueur County FSA County Committee, 3 years as chair. She also served 8 years on the school board for Montgomery-Lonsdale School District and was board chair during the building of the new High School and the consolidation of schools that became Tri-City United School District. She is currently serving as Lanesburgh Township Clerk and on the board of the Montgomery Community Foundation, St John Lutheran Church Council, Le Sueur County Broadband Initiative and the Montgomery Farmer’s Market. Liz & Bob operated a dairy farm for 38 years and now help their son operate an organic crop and livestock operation on the family farm. They have 5 children and 12 grandchildren.
Goal as a Director: My Goal as Director of MVEC is to support initiatives that provide reliable affordable power, maintain quality service and promote Energy Rebate Programs that are available through MVEC.
