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 9, 2024 – the day of the Annual Meeting.
Candidates have submitted the following biographies, director goals, and financial contribution reports:
Kirt Briggs | Prior Lake | Years as MVEC member: 24 Spouse: Heidi
Education: BA, BiologyMike Lins| Savage | Years as MVEC member: 30 | Spouse: Laura
Tom Wolf (incumbent) | Credit River | Years as MVEC member: 26 | Spouse: Kellie
Occupation – Scott County CommissionerAndrew Zirbel | Savage | Years as MVEC member: 16 | Spouse: Sarah
Describe education, occupation, community involvement, hobbies: Since 2000 I have been managing residential service, commercial, and supply chain groups. I’ve managed operations that span from electrical and HVAC, to plumbing, appliance installation, and delivery teams. I’ve worked with organizations with as few as 20 crews to as many as 8,500. I’ve held roles that span from Service Technician through CEO, and have lived every role between. I spent 9 years in the MN National Guard. I have 3 school age daughters and a wife of 17 years. When not working or with my family- I enjoy time in the woods or on a quiet lake.Greg Boe | Chanhassen | Years as MVEC member: 3.5 | Spouse: Debra
Occupation/Education/Community Involvement/Hobbies:
I recently concluded my tenure as the Environmental Services Department Manager for Carver County, after an extensive career in the environmental department of Scott County. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as a member of the Minnesota State House of Representatives from 2019 to 2022. During my legislative term, I served on the Energy and Climate Committee, later renamed the Climate and Energy Committee, where I actively participated in both Finance and Policy. This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics between the State of Minnesota and power companies, encompassing legislative mandates and requirements from both the Legislature and the Public Utilities Commission.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Public Management, both earned at Minnesota State University, Mankato. My undergraduate studies led to a degree in Environmental Science and Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, also completed at the same institution.
Throughout the past several decades, I have actively contributed to various boards, commissions, and councils, with a notable tenure on the Chaska City Council from 2008 to 2018. During my service as a city council member, I had the honor of being appointed to the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). This role provided me with valuable insights into the intricacies of maintaining and upgrading transmission infrastructure, engaging in strategic future planning, working with MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator), and understanding the challenges confronted by local electric utility providers.
I have been an avid weather enthusiast for many years, regularly monitoring and recording weather statistics at my residence. My passion for weather extends to sharing this information through social media posts and reports submitted to local news outlets and the National Weather Service. Beyond my weather-related activities, I actively participate in community service as a proud member of my local Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and Sons of the American Legion.
Goal as a Director: In my role as a Director with MVEC, my key objectives will be:
• Ensuring the delivery of reliable and dependable energy services to our customers.
• Sustaining stable prices in response to increasing inflationary pressures.
• Making strategic investments in both our employees and physical infrastructure.
• Embracing flexibility and adaptability to incorporate new power generating and storage technologies.
I am confident that my distinctive experience will prove valuable in navigating future challenges and seizing opportunities. I sincerely request your vote, and I look forward to working for and with you. Thank you for your consideration.
Boe Campaign Finance Disclosure
Brent A. Lawrence | Prior Lake | Years as MVEC member: 35 | Spouse: Deborah
Occupation: I spent 23 years at a Fortune 500 corporation managing sales and marketing teams.
Currently, President of Lawrence Auctioneering, a business that raises money for not-for-profit organizations.
Education: Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Community Involvement: I have served on the MVEC Board of Directors since 2012, and held the position of President/Board Chair nine of those years. As a professional auctioneer, I give back to the community providing auction services for local charitable causes.
Goal as a Director:•
• Continue to provide safe and reliable service at the lowest rate possible and increase our distribution of renewable energy.
• Recently, MVEC received an American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score of 83 out of a maximum of 100.* Comparatively, the Investor-Owned Utilities industry scored 72 (2023 ACSI Utility Sector Report). Our team members provide exceptional service to the membership. *Results based on data provided by MVEC, collected in March and in August 2023. ACSI did not regulate the survey administration or sample size. ACSI is a registered trademark of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.
• 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 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.
Julie Bifano | Montgomery | Years as MVEC member: 10 | Spouse: Scott Stasney
Occupation, Education, Community Involvement and Hobbies:
Bachelor of Science degree from University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• Experienced sales/marketing/strategic partnership Executive with Fortune 10 companies over the last 30 years
• Serial Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner/Co-Founder, Rustic Farmer and Revival on Main venues
• Former Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Montgomery
• Former Main Street Task Force Member, Montgomery
• Lions Member, Montgomery • Historical Society Member, Montgomery
• Active Member of LeCenter Chamber • Active Member of Lonsdale Chamber
• Active Member of New Prague Chamber • Active Member of Northfield Chamber
• Committee Member for Heritage Events in Montgomery: Masopust and May Day
• Founder/Creator of Czech Country Christmas event in Montgomery
Hobbies include travel with a special interest in historic districts/historic downtowns and warm weather destinations!
Goal as a Director: My goal as 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 sound
listener, I will strive to enhance the relationship and confidence that already exists within the MVEC membership. I would be
delighted to serve the MVEC Members as the newly elected Director of District III.
Bifano Campaign Finance Disclosure
Kevin Gibbs (incumbent) | Le Center | Years as MVEC member: 44 | Spouse: Karen
Current Occupation: Self-employed; Skidder Done Services, LLC
Education: 41 years of crop and livestock farming with extensive residential and agricultural construction experience.
Community involvement: Currently MVEC Director of District 3 (9 years). Served on several boards: Cannon Valley Cooperative for 7 years, Minnesota Family Farms (producer-owned feeder pig cooperative) for 10 years, Le Sueur County Pork Producers for 3 years, and St. Mary’s Trustee for 10 years.
Goal as a Director: I am grateful for the past support and confidence of the members in District 3.
We have recently experienced changes in our cooperative. These changes include a new chief executive officer and chief financial officer. We also have two new directors due to retirements.
Revenue has been difficult to budget given climate change. The pandemic and an inflationary period have caused higher costs to maintain our power infrastructure. Our board of directors works diligently to provide critical oversight and guidance to management so challenges can be overcome.
Our mission is to maintain MVEC as the premier cooperative it has always been. Stable “at cost” rates and a dependable power grid are essential to all of us. I am pleased to be a member of our cooperative. My goal as director is to influence the discussions and board decisions as a director interested in fair and equitable benefit for all our cooperative members.
